I’ve come to the realization that dance is probably the most life affirming art form of all. It lives within the cadence of one’s breath in relation to a heartbeat; the movements executed represent the core actions that epitomize existence. Dance provides an opportunity to flirt with primal urges while sizing up a potential mate, which reminds me that I need to take my girl dancing on the regular.

The impetus for this appreciation stems from a trip we took to the Lumberhaus recently for a Dance Round Robin. The venue is a space dedicated to experimental dance and, apparently, unbridled creativity. To say that the performances we witnessed were entertaining would be an understatement. The evening was, in fact, a celebration of being.

Each group of performers exhibited an entirely unique perspective on the significance of movement. The media and costumes that framed the performance were thoughtful, inventive and eclectic. This was a collection of performances that fully engaged the audience and could have played on any major stage but the fact that it occurred absent of an institution made it that much more meaningful. It represented the spirit of the individuals involved who took it upon themselves to create something inspiring and share it for our mutual benefit.

For all of these reasons and more I’m going to predict that the individuals responsible for breathing life into the Lumberhaus are going to make a significant and positive impact where ever they go.

In The Big Picture Above: Turqoise Cats – Choreo Bethany Dinsick – Baltimore Experimental Dance Collective (Bethany Dinsick, Madeline Tess Peters, Sigrid Lauren, Monica Mirabile, Sarah Magida). Costumes/Video/Dance Direction- Bethany Dinsick. Hats and fingers made from Twist Ties. Music: ‘Full Tilt’ by Turquoise Cats (Beau Crawley, Baltimore).

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Toone Williams of The International Flow Syndicate was one of many performers representing B-Boy Culture.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

The Arrival of the Unknown – Choreo, costumes, and video bye Claire Cote – Effervescent Collective. Performance and improvisation by Claire Cote, Kait Orr and Lynne Price. Original music by Josh Van Horne. Bill Cosby “Natural Child Birth”/Roman’s Cunty Revenge mixed by Claire Cote.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Ahrmansay – Choreo – Rachel Boss – Effervescent Collective (Rachel Boss, Claire Cote, Sierra DeSalvia, Laura Grossman, Clarissa McGregor, Marilyn Mullen, Kait Orr, Lynne Price, Erin Reid, Melissa Talleda.)

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

I Can Be A Freak – Alex Vizzi.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

The Arrival of the Unknown

Photo by Brooke Hall.

The Arrival of the Unknown

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Plutonian Recollection – choreo Caroline Marcantoni, featuring Rebecca Nagle and Monica Mirabile

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Plutonian Recollection – choreo Caroline Marcantoni, featuring Rebecca Nagle and Monica Mirabile

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Kaitlyn Garren

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Jake Dibeler

Ladies and gentlemen I give you this week’s winner of the prestigious and highly coveted, “You Sir Have No Shame and Sometimes It Takes Shamelessness to Truly Embrace Your Full Potential and For Those Who Are Reading This And Missed The Performance I Have Only This To Say, Chocolate Covered Flying Testicles” award. Fruit of the Loom has those sponsorship contracts signed and waiting for you.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Mike Kotey of The International Flow Syndicate.

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Shake Off– Choreo Lily Susskind – Effervescent Collective ((Rachel Boss, Claire Cote, Sierra DeSalvia, Laura Grossman, Clarissa McGregor, Marilyn Mullen, Kait Orr, Lynne Price, Erin Reid, Melissa Talleda.  Music: Rye Rye “Shake it to the Ground.”

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Lumberhaus

Photo by Brooke Hall.

WHAT DO A YOUTH MEDIA FESTIVAL AND A FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT HAVE IN COMMON?

Wide Angle Youth Media started the Who Are You? Youth Media Festival in 2005 to build local audiences for local youth voices in order to strengthen ties and foster understanding in our community. For this year’s festival benefit, Wide Angle is very excited to feature Spike and Amy Gjerde, co-owners of Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore’s premiere farm-to-table restaurant grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Chesapeake region. Woodberry’s commitment to partnering with local farmers is a model for how to build a business based on the values of community, sustainability and strong relationships. We hope you’ll join us!

INFO: info@wideanglemedia.org, 443-759-6700.