SanSan Kwan & Johnny Nguyen. Photo by Robbie Sweeny
Dearest friends and community,
As the unrest continues across the country in the face of a pandemic, we are being called to stand in solidarity with the movements speaking truth to power and calling for justice for our Black brothers, sisters, and siblings. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery. Stephon Clark. Tony McDade. And the other countless lives taken by the systemic violence against Black bodies.
Our company illuminates narratives through movement to envision a more compassionate, empathetic, and just world for all. With this, we recognize our role in working towards anti-racism in support of Black Liberation because Black Liberation IS collective liberation.
Our work has been inspired by Asian Improv aRts and Asian Improv Arts Midwest building on the legacies, histories, struggles, and triumphs of Asian Americans in this country, which in part are connected with those of Black Americans. Civil Rights. Black Power. Black Arts. Yellow Power. The Third World Liberation Front. We are being called to remember these histories and embody them in the present moment.
We are inviting you to join us in taking a stand to listen to, support, and amplify Black voices, to donate or contribute other resources to Black-led organizations working for change, and in undoing Anti-Blackness within our own communities. In the face of so much, we are being asked to not turn the other way from the grave injustice, discrimination, violence, and killing that has been perpetrated on Black people in this country for over 400 years and to recognize that what is happening right now is a reaction to the systems of oppression that have been held in place.
This is an extraordinary time and no matter how challenging and daunting it may feel at times, this is an opportunity to find the deeper parts of ourselves; to allow our actions to be driven by love, courage, hope, truth, grace, honesty, and clarity; to take care of one another; and to re-evaluate what is truly important. Knowing in our hearts the importance of expressing love and solidarity to all who are suffering, we are committed to doing this work and hope that you as our beloved community can join us in this fight for justice.
This is a time to stand in community, in support of one another, and we are standing in solidarity.
In gratitude and love,
Lenora Lee, Johnny Nguyen, Lucy Tafler, and Hien Huynh
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Recognizing the bonds, collaboration, and dedication of
James Newton and Jon Jang in South Africa
Tatsu Aoki and Fred Anderson
Jon Jang, Avotcja Jiltonilro, Francis Wong, Myron Cohen, Sascha Jacobsen, Sandy Poindexter. Photo by Bob Hsiang
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Resources and information on how you can get involved:
Campaign Zero – a comprehensive platform of research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America
Support Victims’ Families
Donate to Black-Led Organizations in Minneapolis
If you are able, please contribute to local Bay Area organizations
Bay Area Resources
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SoOakland – Rebuilding Oakland Black Businesses
Sign the petition to support in the various policy demands (source: NAACP)
Edward Wilkerson Jr., Francis Wong, William Roper, Tatsu Aoki, Mwata Bowden, Kioto Aoki, Melody Takata. Photo by Ken Carl
*Major gratitude to these local organizations Zaccho Dance Theatre, API Cultural Center & Kularts, as these resource links were compiled in part from links they shared
“I have lost 75% of my income because of this pandemic. My work as an artist is to make visible the invisible, to dance thoughts and images into fruition, to be a time machine, a medium, a mover of emotions, a gardener of energies, a storyteller and a light. I hope to continue to shine my light on important issues through dance. Now more than ever the world needs us.” 
“It’s been two weeks of sheltering in place, and all in-person rehearsals, teaching gigs, events, and shows have been cancelled. Though there is much to be concerned about and I miss seeing my friends and family and I am worried about their well being-from a personal perspective, I have much to be grateful for. And I am grateful for Lenora Lee Dance, who keeps all collaborators connected and continues to find creative work opportunities to support us financially, emotionally, and artistically.” 
“My whole sense of who I am as an artist, creator and collaborator has frozen mid-air. All of my artistic projects for 2020 have been postponed or cancelled-which has deeply challenged me to put my creativity towards imagining how I can still have an artistic practice in my home and in physical isolation. While most of my work as an administrator supporting other artists remains stable, I see my friends and peers completely at a loss – scrambling to adapt and learn how to make a living in this unprecedented time.”
“What COVID is teaching me is about the pivot as a choreography of resilience. I lost the majority of my income for the next four months, potentially further, a total of about $3000-4000 lost in a flash as if flood. This money directly would have covered rent, utilities, and food, simply put. However, my creative spirit has found some solace in dialogue, virtual collaboration and home videos. This is where the resilience lives, where seeds are planted again as spring returns.” 
