GoldGrrl
Dance
Chicago, IL
GoldGrrl is a true renaissance figure, a living document of diasporic artistic forms and negritude. Raised as a Panamanian folkloric dancer, she began performing at the age of five and later became deeply involved in Chicago’s underground street dance community as a b-girl. Her passion for movement led her to voguing, where she competed in ballroom and won major competitions like Midwest Awards Ball. Often, she was the only cis-woman in her category (Old Way). As a human statue on Michigan Avenue, GoldGrrl captivated passersby with her poise and dedication, showcasing her commitment to pushing the boundaries of physical performance art. This is where the "gold" in her name originates, as she originally performed as a golden statue. Her talents extend beyond dance and performance, as GoldGrrl thrives as a metal singer and was dubbed the "fierceness of femininity" by AfroPunk. Her lyrics address issues of racial equity, women's empowerment, LGBTQIA+ rights, and immigration. She has presented, exhibited, and performed her work all over Chicago, including Green Mill, MCA, The Taste, iO Theater, Den Theater, and the Chicago Cultural Center. She has been interviewed on What About Chicago, Live at the Extraordinarium, Weirdos Welcome podcast, and Vocalo radio, and featured on Chicago Reader's Gossip Wolf and Chicago Music Guide. An active computer scientist, GoldGrrl examines intersections of technology and Black culture, with a particular interest in the effects of dehumanization and perceived ethnicity. Her practice reflects a broad and evolving vision of how seemingly unrelated disciplines converge to create powerful expressions of community.