Year: 2025-2026
DanceForce Member: Nancy Long
Artist: Christopher K. Morgan
Community Partners: Dancenter of Utica;
Hamilton College; Kirkland Town Library; Utica Central School District
Audience: 505
County: Oneida

Christopher K. Morgan presented several community activities during the week of February 24-27, 2026 culminating in a public performance of “Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence” by his company at Hamilton College. The hour-long work was performed by Morgan and dancers to original music by Wytold, with elaborate sets, lighting, projections and costumes. Earlier in the week Morgan conducted a lei-making activity at the Kirkland Town Library. Participants were encouraged to weave the stories of the ancestors, specifically where their mothers were born, into their lei. Hamilton College students and local dancers attended master classes taught by Morgan. Students from JFK Middle School were thrilled to witness the company perform a significant segment of the piece, “Native Intelligence/Innate Intelligence.”

The comments and questions following the middle school presentation were indicative of the meaningful experience.

From students: “That performance was amazing. It makes me want to create an anime character based on it.” “I like the way they were moving and telling a story.” “I wish we could have seen the whole performance.” ” The fishing net was so cool. How did he not get dizzy?”

From teachers: “My students were on the edge of their seats!” “I had a few kids tell me that they’d like to learn more about it. They really enjoyed it.” “One student said she started crying because she was afraid to closer her eyes and miss something, so her eyes got super dry and teared up.”

From the host teacher: “A million times…THANK YOU!”