This National Gratitude Month and Native American Heritage Month, we are inspired by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Thanksgiving Address, shared in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Rooted in reverence for all living beings, this address invites us to honor the world’s interconnectedness. As Kimmerer shares, the Thanksgiving Address “reminds you that you yourself are a gift,” and it guides us to express gratitude for each part of life that sustains us. In this spirit, we give thanks for the natural world and the artistic community that connects and uplifts us.
This version is a mash up between the one printed in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass, and the one found at http://danceforallpeople.com.
In honoring Indigenous teachings, we also recognize the Two-Spirit people of Indigenous cultures, who have long held respected roles in their communities. These individuals were celebrated for embodying both masculine and feminine energies, serving as cultural bridges and healers. Today, as part of our mission to decolonize ballet, we are committed to uplifting Two-Spirit and transgender dancers who continue this legacy of resilience, creativity, and strength. Their presence affirms that ballet can be a space for all identities and expressions, pushing against traditional binaries and hierarchies.
During Trans Awareness Week, we remember that the inclusion of LGBTQIA2S+ dancers is more than representation; It is part of a decolonial movement that restores dance to its roots as a celebration of shared humanity and unique identities. Artists like Ty Defoe, listed below, who bring their Indigenous and Two-Spirit perspectives to the stage, enrich the dance world with narratives of freedom and unity. Our commitment to decolonizing ballet at Rahway Dance Theatre includes honoring and learning from these vital histories, as we work toward a dance community that embodies acceptance and collective growth.
Here’s a list of talented transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) dancers to follow on Instagram. These artists actively challenge gender norms and represent a diversity of experiences in the dance world:
- Jayna Ledford – @jaynaledford
Ballet dancer and choreographer, trans visibility advocate. - Maxfield Haynes – @maxfieldh
Classically trained ballet dancer, known for work with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. - Sean Dorsey – @seandorseydance
Choreographer, founder of the first all-trans dance company in the U.S. - Kia LaBeija – @kialabeija
Performer, interdisciplinary artist, known for work in voguing and LGBTQ+ activism. - Ty Defoe – @tydefoe
Two-Spirit Indigenous performer (Ojibwe and Oneida), known for dance, theater, and advocacy. - Charlie Kate – @charliekate_
Nonbinary ballet dancer, sharing their journey and breaking barriers in ballet. - Harper Watters – @theharperwatters
Ballet dancer with Houston Ballet, openly queer, and a strong advocate for TGNC representation. - Rulan Tangen – @rulantangen
Founder of Dancing Earth Creations, an Indigenous contemporary dance company. Native dancer blending activism with movement. - Santee Smith (Tekaronhiáhkhwa) – @santeesmith
Mohawk dancer, choreographer, and founder of Kaha Dance Theatre, combining Indigenous culture with contemporary dance. - Mars Capone – @marscapone
Gender-nonconforming ballet dancer and instructor. - Sina Yuki – @sinayuki
Butoh dancer, choreographer, and gender-fluid performance artist. - Micah Logan – @micahlogan
Afro-Indigenous Two-Spirit dancer and choreographer, specializing in Indigenous dance and contemporary styles. - Rosy Simas – @rosysimas
Indigenous contemporary dancer (Seneca) and choreographer, exploring identity through movement.
These dancers bring a range of styles, from ballet and contemporary to ballroom and voguing. They often use their platforms to discuss gender, identity, and inclusivity, making them powerful voices in the dance world.
To celebrate unity and resilience in action, join us for A Rahway Nutcracker this December! Secure your tickets today, and be part of a performance that honors diversity and the transformative power of dance. 🎟✨
Group sale discounts are available for all of UCPAC’s presenting shows!
- 10% off for groups of 10-19
- 20% off for groups of 20 or more.
Contact their Assistant Marketing Manager, Lydia Szlasa, atmarketing@ucpac.org, fill out the group sale form on https://ucpac.org/group-sales-discounts/, or call and ask for Lydia (732-499-8226).
