CU dance prof brings the bayou to Boulder with art event, party

Boulder is exactly 1,326 miles from New Orleans, but on Sunday, the Rocky Mountain air will be filled with southern soul and Louisiana flair.

Spearheaded by University of Colorado’s assistant professor of dance, Helanius Wilkins, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (translates to “let the good times roll”) will pay homage to his creole heritage with art, dance, music and Cajun cuisine. The day of community celebration will close out a week-long symposium of workshops, panels and performances.

“This event fits perfectly with, and is an extension of, my creative research and work which is rooted in the interconnections of American contemporary performance, cultural identity and identities of black men,” said Wilkins, who hails from Lafayette, La. “Heritage, heart and soul are the main ingredients for my new works emerging out of this research. I am drawing inspiration from my creole cultural ties and aspects of growing up in the southern region of Louisiana. The work is sparked by notions of bloodlines, memory, continuance and legacy.”

The free outdoor festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. downtown, after the conclusion of “[UN] W.R.A.P. Traversing Memory — Performing Resistance & Resilience.” This final performance of the symposium blends text with enthralling choreography offered up by Wilkins. In “A Bon Coeur,” his moves, oftentimes jarring and chaotic, are always captivating. Steps and precise motions tell a story of struggle, hardship and triumph. Under the spotlights of CU’s Charlotte York Irey Theatre, dance morphs into thought-provoking expressions of social commentary — a narrative grounded in perseverance and hope. Emotion-evoking, powerful and layered, this solo work brings up the themes of injustice, race and strength while simultaneously encouraging audience members to think a little deeper.

“What is most rewarding about performing live is that it has become a vehicle for a very shy southern child, who was afraid of people, to express himself,” said Wilkins, who, in 2008 took home the Pola Nirenska Award for contemporary achievement in dance. “To be seen, to be heard, to be felt, to have a presence. It has become, and continues to be, a vehicle for something that fuels my curiosity, allows me to dive deeper into uncertainty and challenges me to take greater risks, and it gifts me continuous opportunities for experiencing a sense of connection.”

While Boulder sits far away from the swampy terrain of The Pelican State, where jazz and hot sauce flow freely, this event is sure to deliver a multidimensional glimpse of the Deep South.

“I quickly became attracted to creating an event that would tie in with the symposium and afford me to offer a slice of Louisiana culture to the greater local community,” said Wilkins.”I also became attracted to creating an opportunity where I can expose my cultural background as a means to build community, while embracing, honoring and celebrating difference.”

No celebration would be complete without a proper soundtrack. Jo Jo Reed & the Happy Hill Zydeco Band, from Eunice, La., will be jamming out on the accordion, rub board and blues harp.

“In the spirit of New Orleans’ Second Line and its rich history of jazz music,” Wilkins said that near the 11th Street bridge on the west side of Broadway will bring together a nine-piece brass band featuring Colorado musicians, led by CU Boulder alum Decker Babcock. Wilkins said the Montebello High School Drumline will aslo make an appearance.

“My vision for this event is to create a community dance party,” said Wilkins, “bringing people together through music and dance, and blurring lines between artists and audiences.”

In addition to music, Louisiana-style cuisine will be served up by chef Preston Yoke of Mile High Cajun Food Truck. This mobile beacon of flavor and spice — known for its jambalaya, gumbo, crispy hush puppies and po’ boys — will be adding a few extra options to the menu in honor of this festive day.

From founding an all-male, primarily African-American dance company in Washington D.C. to  bringing his artistry to CU’s campus, Wilkins sees his craft as an ongoing opportunity to unify people through art.

“My vision for this event is to illuminate the vibrancy and resiliency of Louisiana while bringing attention to how heritage and blurring lines between artists and audiences create space for embracing diversity and strengthening community,” said Wilkins. “I also hope that this event reminds us of our resilient selves and provides a release, an opportunity to experience joy in a time when we perceive so much divisiveness, unrest and hardship in our world.”