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Buzz Blog
Dancer and choreographer Ashley Anderson is trying to spruce up the Salt Lake City dance scene a little bit at a time.--- She currently works at Sugar Space Studio when she's not showing performances elsewhere. Today is the last day of her public dance installation, Little Long Look at the Main Library (210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8100, Slcpl.Lib.Ut.Us). You can spot the dancers on the blue pad in the main lobby.
Why choose a public space like the Main Library? In the city most places have high rental fees and advance production schedules. I wanted to do something on my terms which could be free to the public. I also had a friend who knew projects like this had happened at the Main Library before, so I went from there.
Does this performance take any literary cues? The performance began as my MFA thesis project and is actually a modern dance version of Moby Dick. I don't expect audiences to watch and make that exact correlation but it deals with similar concepts of isolation, futility and interpersonal quests which I think are visible.
How does Salt Lake City compare to other cities regarding public dance performances? I have only been back since August but I know other groups like Movement Forum and New Pedestrians have some public performances. I also had a public showing at the Capitol during the legislative session and a University of Utah artist in residence has a show there soon. It's everywhere if you are looking for it!
What can the audience expect? And, can they participate? The audience can expect to find dancers throughout the library (main floor, basement and upper balconies). They can expect to watch something slowly unfold with between three and nine people. They can participate best by watching from multiple angles (below, above, in the elevators) and by asking questions if they have them.
Anything else you'd like to say about the event? Today we'll be there from 10am-9pm. For more info you can visit ashleyandersondances.com which links to our blog with pictures and video of the event.
Why choose a public space like the Main Library? In the city most places have high rental fees and advance production schedules. I wanted to do something on my terms which could be free to the public. I also had a friend who knew projects like this had happened at the Main Library before, so I went from there.
Does this performance take any literary cues? The performance began as my MFA thesis project and is actually a modern dance version of Moby Dick. I don't expect audiences to watch and make that exact correlation but it deals with similar concepts of isolation, futility and interpersonal quests which I think are visible.
How does Salt Lake City compare to other cities regarding public dance performances? I have only been back since August but I know other groups like Movement Forum and New Pedestrians have some public performances. I also had a public showing at the Capitol during the legislative session and a University of Utah artist in residence has a show there soon. It's everywhere if you are looking for it!
What can the audience expect? And, can they participate? The audience can expect to find dancers throughout the library (main floor, basement and upper balconies). They can expect to watch something slowly unfold with between three and nine people. They can participate best by watching from multiple angles (below, above, in the elevators) and by asking questions if they have them.
Anything else you'd like to say about the event? Today we'll be there from 10am-9pm. For more info you can visit ashleyandersondances.com which links to our blog with pictures and video of the event.
