Studio Stories: Reminiscing on Twin Cities Dance with Kenna Cottman Season 1 Episode 2

I am Kenna-Camara Cottman, also known as Mx. Kenna, I am
living my best life as an educator creating affirming spaces for
Black children to thrive.  I have been on my path of
becoming a master educator for over 25 years.  I currently
teach at Bright Water Montessori School, TU Dance Center, and
Voice of Culture Drum and Dance.  I have done the work to be
in my body, and I have the privilege of dancing, creating and
being observed in the company of DejaJoelle and BLAQ.  I am
part of an amazing family of artists, educators and creators:
Beverly and Bill Cottman, Yonci Peaceful Jameson and Ebrima Baye
Sarge.  We are based on the best side, the NORTHSIDE of
Minneapolis, MN.  To reach me and find out more, go to
www.voiceofculture.org.  





















Kenna-Camara Cottman has worked in the field of dance and art
for over 20 years, and has been a full-time artist since 2005.
Kenna is a Black American Griot, following in the oral tradition
of storytelling through art. She has studied traditional and
contemporary drum and dance forms from experts such as Ananya
Chatterjee, Koto N’Gum, Fode Seydou Bangoura, Backa Niang and
William Atchouellou. She is a dance educator who teaches about
the history of African peoples through art, culture, movement and
song. Managing her own company: Voice of Culture Drum and Dance,
has given Kenna the opportunity to train with world class artists
and develop her traditional drum and dance skills. Combining
these forms with her experiences, Kenna creates contemporary
Black dance that deals with interesting topics, confusing
cultural ideas, and movement-based puzzles. Kenna is a skilled
dancer, and she supports choreographer colleagues such as Pramila
Vasudevan and Leah Nelson by dancing in their work. Kenna is also
a member of Oyin Dance Collective, a unique collaboration of
Black women who study and perform African Based dance forms.
Kenna-Camara Cottman is supported by her artistic family, William
and Beverly Cottman, Yonci Jameson and Ebrima Sarge.








Kenna-Camara Cottman is known as ‘Mx. Kenna’ to students all
over the state of Minnesota, from Duluth to Bemidji, Walnut Grove
to Woodbury, and especially in her home community of North
Minneapolis.  Kenna has worked in the field of dance and art
for over 20 years, and has been a full-time artist since
2005.  She is a dance educator who teaches about the history
of African peoples through art, culture, movement and song. 
Ms. Kenna&