This project is all about uplifting and amplifying the creative voices of dancers of color and mixed heritage in Humboldt County. As a society, we have an opportunity to work actively and intentionally towards de-commodifying the talent of marginalized cultures. Our artists are proudly of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian & Mixed Heritage. This specially curated dance show fights against society's tendency towards cultural entitlement. It gives our artists a chance to speak their hearts to their community. It gives our community to take a step back, see and hear them, and benefit from the perspective gained by doing so. It acts as a prompt to continue community conversations around race, privilege and identity.

Every production we present has a one- word theme which provides a free- spirited guidance for our contributing artists.

This edition of the show is centered around the theme of CHILD.

KNOW EL: to know and love the divine presence within yourself

My name is Rachel Noel Sanders, aka Know EL. I create because I find true joy in collaboration and witnessing provocative beauty. 

I fully believe in the transformative, therapeutic and meditative powers of the creative process. I believe art saves lives. I began my journey in arts about 22 years ago, when I was 6 years old. It has taken me all of those 22 years to claim this as my calling and heart's desire. While my interests range widely and wildly, I have a deep and enduring passion for dance, music, writing, and photography. In the Summer of 2020, I produced my first dance show, ONLY SKIN DEEP: the show for dancers of Indigenous, Pan African, Latinx, Asian and Mixed Heritage in Humboldt County. 

I think that part of my mission in life might be to spread healing and provide comfort to weary hearts by helping others find and learn to use their inherent artistic tools.

Therefore, I vow to use my expressions to the best of my ability to speak and initiate meaningful conversations about ourselves, our nature, life, earth and the universe. I vow to always work to understand art, so that I may be able to sensibly and effectively wield its power for positive change in the world.

I will never stop searching for opportunities to see more, meet more, create more and share more.

​Thank you for being here.