Tap, movement and imagination collide
This month, we are looking forward to a project by Kyreeana Breelin Alexander named We Cool, an autobiographical coming-of-age performance where rhythm becomes language and imagination takes center stage. Guided by an “inner committee” of childhood companions — O.T. Bear, Murray Huggy-Bear and Marcus Bearison — the work draws inspiration from family, with each bear embodying a different strength: courage, heart and mind. Together, they model the power of unity as memory, play and identity come vividly to life.
Centered on rhythm and driven by tap dance, We Cool uses movement as a form of meditation and storytelling. Tap becomes a way to process emotion, uncover insight and navigate life’s noise.
“Rhythm is the language in which I feel most comfortable expressing myself. As I continued working with rhythm tap, I found that it guided me to expand my communication beyond my feet. This spilled over into the rhythm of the music and songwriting, the movement of the hand puppetry, and the overall feel of the performance,” says Kyreeana Breelin Alexander.
Both intimate and expansive, We Cool functions as an origin story — laying the groundwork for a larger creative universe while inviting audiences into the personal rhythms that shaped the artist.
As Alexander explains, “I hope the audience walks away with a renewed sense of hope and courage to awaken the heart of their dreams and find ways to honor them. I hope they leave with fire under their feet — ready to face what’s ahead with creative ingenuity, valuing their uniqueness and empowered to share their gifts and insights, tapping into the constant rhythm and joy of life.”