Kayla Banks

Ancestry: African American / Native Mississippi Choctaw / Chickasaw Tribe Unenrolled / Eastern European
Based In: Aurora, CO
Email: banksmovement@gmail.com
Social Media: @banks.movement
Website: kaylambanks.weebly.com

About the Art
These most recent choreographic dance works filmed and performed live are a reflection of mixed descendant identity. The American experience is the mixing of cultures. Past ethnic traditions are eluded with each passing generation leaving descendants to put the pieces and histories of the past together. The path to understanding oneself reveals the dissonance from which one must make harmony. This is a shared experience viewed through a mixed lens. Pesh'a'Yu' (thank you) to all the spirits and people who have guided me through this process. The event of the Black Lives Matter Movement and the global pandemic is a spark for Interconnected. Filmed on native lands of the Yakima, Willamette, and Band of Chinook lands. It weaves land, people, and spirit together. People of color bodies weaving through space, living, and breathing. Being connected to each other, the land, past, present, and future.

About the Artist
Halito, My name is Kayla I am a descendant of the Mississippi Choctaw, African and Eastern European ancestors. A professional choreographer, dancer, and actress from Denver, Colorado where she received her B.A. in Performing Arts and Business Administration from Colorado State University. She has trained with NW Dance Project, Cleo Parker Robinson, and at the International Blacks in Dance Conference. She has danced professionally with Impact Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Dancing Earth Indigenous Contemporary Dance Creations. She has performed in an original work by Anya Pearson in New York City at The Public Theater under the choreographic direction of Emily Bufferd. Under the New Expressive Works residency program, she debuted an original work in March 2019 around multi-ethnicity. She currently teaches on Zoomland and coordinates programs for Jacob’s Pillow International Dance. Her focus is on wellness, technique, spirituality, and expression.