In This Story
Culminating the 2022/2023 season at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Indigenous Enterprise, which The New York Times notes is “updating what a Native American dance troupe can be,” will engage deeply with the campus and community as a Mason Artist-in-Residence over the course of a week. Starting with a welcome event with Center for the Arts Staff, the ensemble will then lead the following events:
Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Artists in Conversation: Indigenous Enterprise
Co-presented by the City of Fairfax and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University
Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
3740 Blenheim Blvd. (formerly Old Lee Highway)
Fairfax, VA 22030
Join us for a moderated lecture/demonstration with Mason Artist-in-Residence Indigenous Enterprise, comprised of champion dancers from Native American and Canadian tribes and Nations. Sharing their heritage and culture through explosively joyous authentic dance and song in traditional regalia, this group first stunned crowds at the Sydney Opera House in 2018, and has since appeared on NBC’S World of Dance, at President Biden’s virtual inauguration parade, and at opening night of the 2023 Super Bowl LVII festivities. “Indigenous Enterprise is rooted in tradition but also has hip-hop influences, discernible in footwork, bounce, and especially attitude,” writes The New York Times. Followed by a Q&A with the audience, this free event is also an open-to-the-public presentation of the Friends of the Center for the Arts Artists in Conversation Series, and is offered in conjunction with the April 29 Indigenous Enterprise performance at the Center for the Arts.
FREE, Registration required.
Wednesday, April 26
- A classroom visit with the George Mason University Dewberry Family School of Music “Music History in Society” course taught by Prof. Gregory Robinson
- A lecture/demonstration for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at George Mason University, (for registered OLLI members)
Thursday, April 27
- A lecture/demonstration with Fairfax County Public Schools system kindergarten, first-, and second-grade classes at Laurel Ridge Elementary School
Saturday, April 29 at 8 p.m.
Indigenous Enterprise: Indigenous Liberation
Center for the Arts at George Mason University
4373 Mason Pond Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Indigenous Enterprise is on a mission to proudly share their heritage and culture through explosively joyous authentic dance and song. Comprised of champion dancers from Native American and Canadian tribes and Nations, this group first stunned crowds at the Sydney Opera House in 2018, and has been on the rise since. “Indigenous Enterprise is rooted in tradition but also has hip-hop influences, discernible in footwork, bounce, and especially attitude,” writes The New York Times. They have appeared in music videos, NBC’S World of Dance, and President Biden’s virtual inauguration parade. The group’s newest work, Indigenous Liberation, recently debuted at the Joyce Theater to glowing praise. “In their traditional regalia, these dancers freestyle as the young people they are,” says The New Yorker. Indigenous Liberation invites its audience to revel in the pageantry, history, and kaleidoscope of colors in a celebration of what lies at the heart of these powerful traditions. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, members of the company will work with the community through classes and workshops during the week surrounding the performance.
This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Tickets: $48, $41, $29; half-price for youth through Grade 12. Free tickets are available for Mason students, and faculty, staff, and alumni receive a 10% discount. Read more about Mason discounts.
Get tickets.
Before the Performance
A pre-performance discussion with Indigenous Enterprise troupe members, moderated by local Indigenous Elder Michael Nephew, will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
After the Performance
The artists will participate in a post-performance discussion, moderated by Center for the Arts Director of Programming Adrienne Bryant Godwin from the stage.