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Indigenous Performance and Research Alliance (IPRA) Working Group - EXPLORATORY STAGE

Chair: Sam Aros Mitchell ([email protected])

The Indigenous Performance and Research Alliance (IPRA) invites Indigenous artists, scholars, and community practitioners to its first gathering at the Dance Studies Association conference.

Participation is reserved for enrolled citizens or members of Indigenous nations, or people recognized as members by their Indigenous communities who maintain relationships with those communities. Self-identification alone does not meet the participation criteria. This session is not open to non-Indigenous attendees.

Through introductions, a brief shared attention practice, and conversation, participants will build relationships across Indigenous performance, dance research, and creative practice; identify shared interests and needs; and consider next steps for continued connection and collaboration.

Indigenous participants at all career stages are welcome. No preparation is required.

 Sam Aros Mitchell, Working Group Chair

Sam Mitchell headhshotSam Aros Mitchell (he, him, his) is an enrolled member of the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians. As an Indigenous art-maker and scholar, Aros-Mitchell ’s work spans the disciplines of performance, sound/light/scenic design, choreography, and embodied writing. Aros-Mitchell holds a Ph.D. in Drama and Theater from the joint doctoral program at UC San Diego/UC Irvine, an MFA in Dance Theatre from UC San Diego, and a BFA from UC Santa Barbara.

Since 2017, Aros-Mitchell has worked with Rosy Simas Danse (RSD) as a performer, teacher, and community engagement organizer. He has performed with RSD in Skins (2018), Weave (2019) Simas short film, yödoishëndahgwa’geh (2021), and she lives on the road to war (2022-2024).

Aros-Mitchell recently collaborated with Dante Puleio, Director of Limón Dance in NYC by restaging/reconstructing two original Limón pieces, the Indio solo from Danzas Mexicanas (1939) and "the Deer solo" from The Unsung (1970). This marks a new passage for Aros-Mitchell and for Limón Dance, in that José Limón and Aros-Mitchell share the proud lineage of Yaqui ancestry. Sam Aros-Mitchell is a 2023 McKnight Dance Fellow.