To mark Women’s History Month, Gazelle introduces you to six remarkable women who will be honored at the 2024 Saint Louis Visionary Awards ceremony on Monday, April 29, at the Sun Theater in Grand Center.
The award – one of the most prestigious in the local arts community – recognizes the many contributions of women who work in and support the arts in St. Louis.
Among the honorees is Heather Beal-Himes, who will receive the Outstanding Working Artist award. Beal-Himes is a dancer, choreographer, actress, director and curator. She is also a certified Dunham Technique instructor, who has toured worldwide, teaching and performing Dunham Technique. She has performed in shows for The Black Rep and The Muny; and served as choreographer for “Eubie!” and “Dreamgirls” (The Black Rep), and “Feeding Beatrice” (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), among other productions. Beal-Himes is also recognized for her work, #triggerwarning and Black AF, a dance critique of police brutality against African Americans.
GAZELLE: WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?
HEATHER BEAL-HIMES: I am inspired by Black joy and Black world-building to explore liberatory practices. I am inspired by movement practices from the ring shout to twerking and how Black “folx” have used humor, joy, spirituality and creativity to assert their humanity.
GAZELLE: HOW DO YOU USE YOUR ART TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY?
HEATHER BEAL-HIMES: My life’s mission is to bring and spread Black joy, instill pride in others, engage the commUNITY and provoke dialogue. I use my body’s movement to provoke the change I want to see in the world. I love working with kids. It is of the utmost importance that we enter communities that have been systematically oppressed with patience, understanding and humility. I know that I can and will enter any community to teach with those elements – I also know that I will leave those communities a better teacher, dancer and person.
GAZELLE: WHAT DOES THIS AWARD MEAN TO YOU?
HEATHER BEAL-HIMES: I am incredibly honored to be recognized as an outstanding working artist in a community where I have been allowed to create and thrive for over 30 years. This is an honor I share with those who have supported my art through the years.
In addition to Beal-Himes, this year’s Visionary Awards recipients are: Elizabeth Berges (Major Contributor to the Arts), Shawna Flanigan (Outstanding Teaching Artist), Meridith McKinley (Outstanding Arts Professional), Luisa Otero-Prada (Community Impact Artist) and Alexa Seda (Emerging Artist).
An awards ceremony and program, followed by a reception, begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 29, at the Sun Theater in Grand Center. For tickets and additional information, visit the Saint Louis Visionary Awards website.
