SpectorDance will present two interactive dance displays on Thursday, May 21, 2009. Their presentation, adapted from: "The Heritage Project: Dances That Reflect Our Local Heritage", is part of Arts Habitat's event series Arts in Progress: Third Thursdays with Arts Habitat. The events take place every third Thursday of the month at the Monterey YMCA, 600 Camino El Estero, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Refreshments are served and the events are free and open to the public.

 

The multi media danceworks are titled, "Ocean, Bird, Sky", inspired by the poetry of Robinson Jeffers and the natural beauty of the Monterey coast; and "The Red Pony", inspired by Steinbeck's novel about a young person's love for a pony and the difficult life lessons young people must face.
 
Since 1997, Fran Spector Atkins, choreographer, and William Roden, media artist, have collaborated to create signature works using a presentation style which integrates spoken word and visual media to create a "virtual stage set" for the dance performance.  They have developed an impressive body of multimedia works inspired by and relevant to our region which attract audiences who may not normally attend contemporary dance concerts. These works have received significant national acknowledgement and awards for "excellence in the performing arts".

Following the showing, the audience is invited to comment or ask questions of the dancers and Fran about the performances. For instance, what is the unique power of dance to communicate an idea or image?  How does dance tell a story? What is choreography? Come and see something new and be surprised!