There’s something undeniably powerful about blending modern storytelling techniques with ancient cultural expressions. The news that an animated short will open the Native dance performance *Still Here* feels like a breath of fresh air—a bold, thoughtful choice that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Animation, at its best, is more than just entertainment; it’s a medium that can convey depth, emotion, and narrative in ways live performance sometimes can’t. By opening with an animated short, *Still Here* isn’t just warming up the audience—it’s setting a tone. It’s saying, "We’re here to tell a story, and we’re using every tool we have to make sure you feel it."
For Indigenous performances, which often carry centuries of history, trauma, resilience, and beauty, animation offers a unique opportunity to visualize what words or dance alone might struggle to express. Think of the potential: vivid visuals illustrating creation stories, symbolic representations of community struggles, or even abstract renditions of spiritual beliefs. The animated short could serve as a bridge, connecting viewers—especially those unfamiliar with Native traditions—to the themes and emotions that the live performance will explore.
But let’s be real: this move is also risky. Purists might argue that animation could overshadow the rawness and authenticity of live dance. Will it feel like a gimmick, or will it genuinely enhance the experience? The success of this approach will depend entirely on execution. The animation must feel integral, not tacked on—a seamless prologue that elevates rather than distracts.
Personally, I’m excited. Cross-disciplinary art is where some of the most groundbreaking work happens today. When creators are willing to experiment, to mix media and defy expectations, that’s when art feels most alive. If done right, this animated opening could deepen the audience’s connection to the performance, making the live dance that follows even more impactful.
So here’s to the team behind *Still Here* for taking this creative leap. May it inspire more artists to blend the old with the new, the digital with the physical, and the spoken with the unseen.
What do you think? Is animation a fitting opener for a traditional dance performance, or should some art forms stay purely live? Drop your thoughts below.
