Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Kenna Cottman Season 1 Episode 2

I am Kenna-Camara Cottman, also known as Mx. Kenna, I am living my best life as an educator creating affirming spaces for Black children to thrive.  I have been on my path of becoming a master educator for over 25 years.  I currently teach at Bright Water Montessori School, TU Dance Center, and Voice of Culture Drum and Dance.  I have done the work to be in my body, and I have the privilege of dancing, creating and being observed in the company of DejaJoelle and BLAQ.  I am part of an amazing family of artists, educators and creators: Beverly and Bill Cottman, Yonci Peaceful Jameson and Ebrima Baye Sarge.  We are based on the best side, the NORTHSIDE of Minneapolis, MN.  To reach me and find out more, go to www.voiceofculture.org.  Kenna-Camara Cottman has worked in the field of dance and art for over 20 years, and has been a full-time artist since 2005. Kenna is a Black American Griot, following in the oral tradition of storytelling through art. She has studied traditional and contemporary drum and dance forms from experts such as Ananya Chatterjee, Koto N’Gum, Fode Seydou Bangoura, Backa Niang and William Atchouellou. She is a dance educator who teaches about the history of African peoples through art, culture, movement and song. Managing her own company: Voice of Culture Drum and Dance, has given Kenna the opportunity to train with world class artists and develop her traditional drum and dance skills. Combining these forms with her experiences, Kenna creates contemporary Black dance that deals with interesting topics, confusing cultural ideas, and movement-based puzzles. Kenna is a skilled dancer, and she supports choreographer colleagues such as Pramila Vasudevan and Leah Nelson by dancing in their work. Kenna is also a member of Oyin Dance Collective, a unique collaboration of Black women who study and perform African Based dance forms. Kenna-Camara Cottman is supported by her artistic family, William and Beverly Cottman, Yonci Jameson and Ebrima Sarge.Kenna-Camara Cottman is known as ‘Mx. Kenna’ to students all over the state of Minnesota, from Duluth to Bemidji, Walnut Grove to Woodbury, and especially in her home community of North Minneapolis.  Kenna has worked in the field of dance and art for over 20 years, and has been a full-time artist since 2005.  She is a dance educator who teaches about the history of African peoples through art, culture, movement and song.  Ms. Kenna&