yESteRDaZe*

yESteRDaZe* is a “remember the good times” companion to
I’ll Never Be Beyoncé — a playful tribute to my happy memories of playgrounds, church fairs, slumber parties, and middle school dances. A cast of dancers joins me in embodying the memories of my girlhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with special attention to Black vernacular and social dances that are particularly tied to the U.S. South. Several audience members are invited to sit in desks on stage, immersing themselves in the energy and chaos of my adolescent realms.

yESteRDaZe* references choreography by Randy Connor, Darrin Henson, Fatima Robinson, and several uncredited choreographers of late 1990s/early 2000s music videos; movement popularized by New Orleans bounce artist DJ Jubilee; and the Savage tiktok challenge, created by Keara “Keke” Wilson. The title is in reference to the iconic dELiA*s catalogue (1993-2015).

Press

Barbier is charismatic, has a knack for storytelling, and knows how to engage her audience. It was a fun number, and the audience absolutely loved it and enjoyed the walk down memory lane.

- Serenity Stanton Orengo for Smile Politely

Credits

Performers Alexandra Barbier, Khiari Everett, Erin Fabian, Lily Freebery, Damiyah Williams. Costume Coordinator Carlee Ihde. Lighting Designer Rolando Cisneros, Jr. Sound Designer Anjelica Jones. Stage Manager Jiawei Pei. Text Alexandra Barbier and Chancelier “Xero” Skidmore. Music “Get Me Bodied,” Beyoncé. “Country Grammar,“ Nelly “Everyday People,“ Sly & the Family Stone “Get Ready, Ready,“ DJ Jubilee

Performances

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Tryon Festival Theater.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign October Dance Concert (Urbana-Champaign, Il). October 12 - 14, 2023.

Photos by Natalie Fiol