In the heart of Columbus, the rhythm of change is palpable, and it’s not just in the city’s burgeoning tech and agricultural scenes. It’s also in the dance studios and community spaces where artists like Ricarrdo Hunter-Valentine are pushing boundaries and forging unexpected connections.
Hunter-Valentine, a Columbus dancer and choreographer, is among 50 finalists for the prestigious Dance/USA Fellowship to Artists. The fellowship, which will award 25 recipients $31,000 each in October, seeks to support artists who are redefining dance and challenging the status quo. Hunter-Valentine’s unique blend of dance, agriculture, and technology has caught the attention of the national service organization, which aims to foster diversity and inclusion in the dance field.
For Hunter-Valentine, dance is more than just movement; it’s a storytelling medium that can bridge gaps and spark conversations. His company, Brother(hood) Dance!, co-founded with his husband Orlando in 2014, has tackled issues ranging from AIDS awareness to Black farmers and food justice. The couple’s unconventional approach to dance has led them to explore new spaces, including farms, where they can create and perform.
Their journey into agriculture began with a weeklong immersion program at Soul Fire Farm in upstate New York. There, they connected with other artists of color and learned to harmonize their practices with the environment. This experience has since influenced Hunter-Valentine’s work, leading him to become a certified Ohio farmer and photographer.
The implications of Hunter-Valentine’s work are far-reaching. By intertwining dance with agriculture and technology, he’s not only broadening the notion of dance but also fostering a deeper connection between art and nature. His vision for an institute or laboratory space that explores these three mediums could serve as a model for other artists seeking to push the limits of their craft.
Moreover, Hunter-Valentine’s focus on social and embodied practices aligns with the goals of Dance/USA, which aims to remove barriers in the dance field. His work could inspire other artists to think outside the box and challenge the traditional notions of dance.
In Columbus, the celebration of Africa Day with performances from local Somali dance group, Cabsi Cabsi, further underscores the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. As the city continues to grow and evolve, artists like Hunter-Valentine are playing a crucial role in shaping its cultural landscape. Their work serves as a reminder that art, in all its forms, has the power to connect, inspire, and drive change.