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Nainnoh (pronounced nine-oh) knows what it means to run. Originally from Georgia, formerly a USSR-held territory, she came to America nearly 20 years ago \u2500 to not only escape a restrictive government but to fulfill her childhood dream. Her song \u201cRun\u201d celebrates severing toxicity from your life, in whatever form it may take, with rhythmic production and sweeping strings. \u201cRemember how I was treated, feeling so low,\u201d she sings. \u201cEven though you have thrilled me, I\u2019m letting you go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accompanying visual stars champion dancers and choreographers Kristine Bendul and Abdiel Jacobsen, known for helping break gender boundaries as a gender-neutral couple in ballroom dancing<\/a>. They\u2019re also known as frequent collaborators with Twyla Tharp and former principals in the Martha Graham Dance Company. In the video, Bendul and Jacobsen sculpt an evocative dance piece that fully embodies the song\u2019s fluid and ethereal motions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know it would be a dance piece [at first],\u201d Nainnoh tells Audiofemme, but when she started thinking about doing a video, she turned her eyes to the fledgling artist community of New York City. A close friend originally suggested she star in the video herself, but that didn\u2019t feel right. \u201cWhy should I showcase myself when I can actually support and give life to other people?\u201d she offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nainnoh met Jacobsen and Bendul last year at Stepping Out Studios, a central Manhattan space, home to dance, Zumba, and bootcamp. \u201cI was so impressed by them. They\u2019re such beautiful people. I read about their story, and it was so heartbreaking and symbolic,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ve always been passionate about supporting minorities, Black Lives Matter, and LGBTQ+ rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n