Bronx parks will play stage this August when Dancing In the Streets launches a series of site-specific performances called Dancing Through the Bronx.
The 30-year-old organization specializes in innovative public performances, which it will bring to three Bronx parks over the course of several days.
“Free, adventurous performances in unexpected places,” is how director Aviva Davidson describes the site-specific dances created to incorporate the environment.
Previously a city-wide program, Dancing in the Streets relocated to the south Bronx in 2011 and shifted its focus to promoting natural, architectural, and cultural treasures of the Bronx through dance, said Davidson.
Dancing in the Streets in committed to putting down roots in the Bronx, said Davidson, and they have been building relationships with other local organizations. In the case of the Dancing Through the Bronx series, the locations were chosen based on the involvement of organizations who wanted help bringing attention to certain areas.
One performance will be at Wave Hill in Riverdale; the second at Hayden Lord Park in Morris Heights, presented with Bronx Pro Real Estate Management; and the third at Owen Dolen Park in Westchester Square, presented by Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance and Westchester Square BID.
“We selected the partner, not the parks,” said Davidson.
She’s hoping to expand the organization’s community partnerships and continue the festival on an annual basis, and she feels that shining a spotlight on gems in the Bronx can help combat the borough’s stereotypes.
“Our work can help change perspectives,” said Davidson.
The outdoor performances will feature contemporary dance and hip-hop by a range of choreographers, including three Bronx natives.
Davidson said she hopes the festival will inspire people and give the audience a significant artistic experience.
“I hope they will be introduced to a dance form they’re unfamiliar with,” said Davidson. “And that they have a good time, enjoy it.”
Performances
6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13 at Wave Hill, with choreography by Larry Keigwin, Ni’ja Whitson Adebanjo, and James “Cricket” Colter. Presented in partnership with Wave Hill.
4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, at Hayden Lord Park (1667 Andrews Ave S) with choreography by Larry Keigwin, Toni Renee Johnson, James “Cricket” Colter. Presented in partnership with Bronx Pro Real Estate Management.
2 p.m. Saturday, August 16 at Owen Dolen Park with choreography by Larry Keigwin, Arthur Aviles, James “Cricket” Colter. Presented in partnership with BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance and Westchester Square BID.
For more information, visit www.dancinginthestreets.org.
