Exchange Talk Expanding Narratives: Caitlin Marziali

Exchange Talks – Expanding Narratives

Caitlin Marziali – Dancing Identity: How Ballet and Indigenous Dance Reflect Cultural Narratives

This talk will explore the ways ballet and Indigenous dance, specifically Canadian Pow Wow dances, serve as powerful forms of storytelling, embodying the histories, values, and identities of their respective cultures. By examining their similarities and differences, it highlights how dance can bridge cultural divides and inspire conversation.

Bio:
Caitlin Marziali is a dedicated professional dancer and dance educator with mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. A proud member of Taykwa Tagamou Nation in Northern Ontario, she is pursuing her Master’s in Canadian and Indigenous Studies at Trent University, focusing on comparisons between Classical Ballet and Pow Wow dances. Caitlin serves as the Coordinator of Indigenous Relations and as a Ballet Teacher at Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto, where she is passionate about fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity through dance. Committed to making movement accessible to all, she balances her academic pursuits and teaching with her dance career, bridging cultures with artistry and education.