The Oakland Ballet’s latest project, diving into the untold immigrant stories of Angel Island, isn’t just a performance—it’s a movement. In a time when immigration debates are louder than ever, this production brings humanity back to the headlines.
**Dance as a Time Machine**
Angel Island, often called the "Ellis Island of the West," processed over a million immigrants, mostly from Asia, between 1910 and 1940. The Oakland Ballet uses movement to resurrect their struggles—detention, interrogation, hope, and resilience. This isn’t just history; it’s a mirror. How many of us have family stories just like these?
**Why Ballet? Because Words Aren’t Enough**
Immigration stories are often reduced to statistics or political soundbites. Ballet strips that away. A leap, a fall, a held pose—these convey fear, longing, and triumph in ways speeches can’t. The Oakland Ballet isn’t just entertaining; it’s educating with every pirouette.
**Youth Takeover? Genius.**
KQED handing the mic to young voices for this coverage is a power move. Gen Z isn’t just watching history—they’re demanding it be told right. Their fresh perspective ensures these stories aren’t dusty museum pieces but living, breathing lessons.
**Final Thought: Art as Activism**
This isn’t *just* a ballet. It’s a protest against forgetting. In 2025, as borders dominate debates, the Oakland Ballet reminds us: behind every policy are people. And their stories deserve to dance.
Catch it live or stream it—just don’t miss it.
