Christopher Kaui Morgan (Native Hawaiian) was awarded a 2013 NACF Artist Fellowship in Dance.
Grantee:  Christopher K. Morgan
Native Citizenship:  Native Hawaiian
Location:  Washington, D.C.
Award:  2013 NACF Artist Fellowship
Discipline:  Dance
Web Site:  http://www.christopherkmorgan.com/

Christopher Kaui Morgan is a choreographer and dancer whose work stems from a belief in the urgency of live performance in an increasingly isolating, commercial, and digital world.

Christopher Kaui Morgan grew up in Orange County, Calif., Morgan learned hula from his family. He now brings his diverse heritage and over 15 years of experience as a dancer, educator, choreographer and arts facilitator to directing his Washington D.C.-area contemporary dance company, Christopher K. Morgan & Artists. The company serves as a platform to foster the development and performance of his virtuosic work, as well as his collaborators.

Profiled as one of six breakout choreographers in the April 2011 issue of Dance Magazine, Morgan is also an accomplished teacher, speaker and facilitator, who brings a unique multicultural perspective to his work. His pieces have been presented in 18 countries on five continents.

With the support of an NACF Fellowship in Dance, Morgan created two world premiere dances: “Halcyon,” a meditation on the nature of memory with an original score by cellist Ignacio Alcover; and “Place Names,” which explores how names, language and labels can shape one’s identity. Morgan collaborated with Sri Lankan dancer Asanga Domask to synthesize traditional Sri Lankan dance with Hula, modern dance movements and classical music.

In June 2013, Morgan’s company successfully launched its first summer intensive, attracting 28 students from six states to travel to study with Christopher K. Morgan & Artists for two weeks at the Music Center at Strathmore. In his fellowship year, Morgan taught at the Western Region of American College Dance Festival in Scottsdale, Ariz., providing critical feedback to 30 works, leading master classes and performing in the festival.