“Woodlands Groove” is part of a series of six choreographic works called the Undercurrents Project that were devised as a community-based project to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Thunder Bay.  It features two young Hoop Dancers from Naicatchewenin First Nation, a brother and sister duo that have been dancing together since they were very young. They come from a family of hoop dancers passed down to them by their Grandfather and father before them. Hoop dancing is a form of storytelling and the sharing of a view into the spiritual life of the Anishinaabe. Through their dancing they keep their stories, history and legends alive. “I share the ownership in direction with the wonderful group of artists I assembled for Woodlands Groove. I looked to the Indigenous creators involved in the film for guidance and direction. I specifically want to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Victoria Anderson-Gardner, David Wilkinson-Simard and Orville Councillor.” – Donna Marie Baratta