Choreographer and hip-hop teacher Samara Atkins is one of this year's Alameda County Arts Leadership Award honorees. "It's a surprise and has made me feel seen and held by my community," she told the East Bay Express.
A sisterhood in street dance
Atkins and Jenay "ShinobiJaxx" co-founded Mix'd Ingrdnts in 2010. It's an all-women company whose street dance borrows from ballet, modern and jazz. In a field dominated by men, the group set out to offer an alternative to hypersexualized street dance. "We wanted little girls to look at us and see themselves in our bodies," Atkins said.
The Arts Commission's profile says the company works to educate, inspire and empower women, youth and the community. Atkins and her crew have appeared on the Harry Connick Jr. show and on KQED. She is also a senior teaching artist and mentor at Destiny Arts Center, the commission says.
What's next
Atkins said the award comes at a time of transition. Many of the company's dancers are now over 30, and the group comes together for shows and educational events as they come up. "It tells me I've reached a pinnacle in my career, and I'm looking into what is next," she said.