Thread by @DawnXianaMoon

As an immigrant from a colonized, multicultural, & multi-ethnic country (Singapore) who moved at a young age to a blue-collar MI suburb where almost everyone was white, I've always been drawn to fusion styles in art.

Bc what is "authenticity" for someone like me?

#SocialShimmy

It certainly doesn't involve the trad art forms of my heritage, which I had to research as an adult. I didn't even know about most Chinese festivals because my parents didn't bring them to the US. & I can't speak Chinese. (I can sing in it with practice though.) #DisaporaProblems

So. I'm a singer-songwriter whose music hovers between folk and pop with influences from jazz and traditional Chinese music.

And I'm a dancer who often mixes fandom and nerd culture with influences from a host of dance forms, including hip hop, ballet, modern, flamenco, jazz, various Indian dances, and the folk dances of the Middle East - plus a formal background in acting and theatre.

Hi! I'm Dawn. *waves* I'm the Founder/Director of @RaksGeek (& our spinoff project, @raksinferno, that showcases us dancing and spinning fire but without the cosplay).

The group's 8 years old, has been featured on UK Channel 4 TV, The Daily Mail, & Chicago Tribune.

And most of us are Asian American and/or LGBTQ+ - and have literally performed around the world.

I've personally performed on Britain's Got Talent and was named "Best Stage Performer" and "Best Dancer" by the Chicago Reader.

And I'm producing @DefiantSilk Bellydance Festival in November, which will showcase North American Asian performers and teachers.

We're making waves, you all. ✊

(Day 1 of #SocialShimmy Challenge.)