Vote for The Center for Contemporary Dance at www.TheArtsMatter.com

Your vote can help The Center for Contemporary Dance win $5,000 from United Arts of Central Florida to support the next generation of dance. Vote by June 14, 2011 at http://wwww.theartsmatter.com/.

National Endowment for the Arts Announces Grant to The Center for Contemporary Dance

$1o,000 Grant Funds Student Presentations of Moore Dance Project’s ‘Sacred Slave Stories’

Moore Dance Project's February 2011 regional tour of Sacred Slave Stories includes special presentations for 1,000 students from Volusia County Title I public schools. Student presentations are supported by a $10,000 grant award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

WINTER PARK, FL- November 23, 2010 -Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, today announced that The Center for Contemporary Dance, Inc. has been approved for a grant of $10,000 to support special presentations of Moore Dance Project’s ‘Sacred Slave Stories’ to 1,000 students from Volusia County Title I public schools.  The Center for Contemporary Dance is one of 1,057 not-for-profit organizations recommended for a grant as part of the federal agency’s first round of fiscal year 2011 grants. In total, the Arts Endowment will distribute $26.68 million to support projects nationwide.

An independent agency of the federal government, the National Endowment for the Arts advances artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman said, “I continue to be impressed with the creative, innovative, and excellent projects brought forward by arts organizations across the country. Our grantees are not only furthering their art forms but also enhancing their neighborhoods by making them more vibrant, livable, and fun.”

Touring throughout Central Florida in February 2011 and developed under the artistic leadership of Dario J. Moore, Moore Dance Project’s ‘Sacred Slave Stories’ is a series of contemporary dance vignettes inspired by historic interviews with formerly-enslaved African Americans, as documented by the Federal Writers’ Project (1936-1938).  Each vignette is accompanied by a pre-recorded excerpt from its corresponding slave narrative, performed by veteran film actor Harry Burney.

Activities supported by the National Endowment for the Arts include ten matinee performances for 1,000 Volusia County students from Title I public schools.  Presented in partnership with the Museum of Florida Art, student presentations of ‘Sacred Slave Stories’ take place in the Museum’s 200-seat theatre; grant funds will primarily be used to transport students.  Prior to attending performances, students will tour the Museum’s Legendary Florida Collection, an exhibit of realistic oil works by native born Florida artist Jackson Walker that bring to life incidents and personalities from over four hundred years of Florida history.   Tours led by the Museum’s docents will draw attention to selected works related to African-American history.  Participating schools will also be provided with pre- and post-event lesson plans, developed collaboratively with attending educators.

“Support from the National Endowment for the Arts allows us to assist Central Florida schools in giving students access to enriching arts programs that foster a well-rounded education in culture, history and sociology,” says Craig W. Johnson, Executive Director of The Center for Contemporary Dance.  “Through this project,” explains Johnson, “we achieve three primary goals:  encourage the use of art as a meaningful and productive tool for expressing and documenting one’s history, beliefs and experiences; provide access to and encourage future attendance at cultural events that validate the experiences of minority populations; and assist underserved schools in obtaining new and creative tools that educate and inspire students beyond what current limited school resources allow.”

To learn more about ‘Sacred Slave Stories,’ including details about project sponsorship and public presentations throughout Black History Month 2011, please visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or call (407) 695-8366.

Dance, Art and Mythology Collide in Moore Dance Project’s ICARUS

Dario J. Moore in ICARUS. Performances take place December 11-12 at the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand.

WINTER PARK, FL - November 1, 2010 - Moore Dance Project will present ICARUS, featuring Artistic Director Dario J. Moore in a contemporary solo performance based on the classical myth and inspired by the work of visual artist Pam Coffman.

   

When:
Saturday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Where:
The Museum of Florida Art
600 N. Woodland Boulevard
DeLand, FL  32720

Admission: $20-General; $15-Students & Museum members. 
Visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or call (407) 695-8366.

Presented in partnership with the Museum of Florida Art, ICARUS is the result of a year-long collaborative project between the dance company’s artistic director Dario J. Moore and visual artist Pam Coffman, whose mixed-media “Icarus Series” compelled Moore to create the one-hour solo work.  A retelling of the classical myth about an impetuous man’s winged escape from captivity, performances explore a modern man’s psychological and spiritual journey to move beyond fear into a world of ultimate possibilities.  Featuring an original score by international composer Arturo Mayorga and local composer Kevin Gast, performances are followed by a dialogue with Moore and Coffman, who will discuss the creative process behind the work.  Coffman’s artwork is displayed in the lobby.

ICARUS unfolds in three acts, successively moving through themes of fear, confrontation and, finally, flight.  Moore is careful to point out that audiences shouldn’t expect a literal interpretation of the original myth. “The show is much more a contemporary exploration of the symbolism behind the story,” he explains. In the original myth, an imprisoned Icarus escapes from Crete using wings of wax fashioned by his craftsman father; once airborne, Icarus becomes so enthralled by the experience that he forgets his father’s warning to keep the sun at bay.  Soaring too close to the blazing star, his waxen wings melt and Icarus falls to a watery death, swallowed by the sea.  “It is the moment when Icarus is overtaken by the joy of flight that is most compelling,” says Coffman, an accomplished visual artist and the Museum’s Curator of Education, “In that moment, there is no fear–just Icarus and the bliss of being.”  Moore sees this as the show’s driving concept, and a reminder that “if we are to achieve greatness in this lifetime–to fly like Icarus–there is no time to be afraid.” 

To learn more, please visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or call (407) 695-8366.

 

This event is part of the AMP Series at the Museum of Florida Art, where Art, Music and Performance intersect.  Learn more about the AMP Series at www.museumoffloridaart.org. 

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Moore Dance Project and Gallery Works Intersect in ‘Images & Identity’

Dario J. Moore in "Images & Identity." Performances take place November 6-7 at the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand, FL.

WINTER PARK, FL - October 18, 2010 - Moore Dance Project will present Images & Identity, a series of intimate contemporary dance vignettes inspired by the symbolism and subjects found in the work of exhibiting artists Jeff Whipple and Trent Tomengo.

When:
Saturday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Where:
The Museum of Florida Art
600 N. Woodland Boulevard
DeLand, FL  32720

Admission: $20-General; $15-Students and Museum members. 
Visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or call (407) 695-8366.

Presented in partnership with the Museum of Florida Art, Images & Identity captures themes, concepts and inspiration from Whipple’s Seizing the Day exhibit and Tomengo’s Experience Portraits.  Works are exhibited in the Museum gallery and available for viewing before and after performances. 

 
Tomengo’s portraits explore the psychological and emotional features of his subjects, with human figures surrounded by metaphysically-themed compositions, implying a universality that permeates humanity.  Whipple’s artwork is meant to lead the viewer to a contemplation of the relationships between the images, colors and designs; his work centers on finding value in a terminal existence.

“The dance is a creative response to the subtext in the artists’ work,” says Dario J. Moore, Artistic Director for Moore Dance Project. ”Unfolding as its own series of living portraits, Images & Identity awakens the subtle, complex and defining moments that unify the human experience,” says Moore. 

To learn more, please visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or call (407) 695-8366.

 

This event is part of the AMP Series at the Museum of Florida Art, where Art, Music and Performance intersect.  Learn more about the AMP Series at www.museumoffloridaart.org. 

 

The project is made possible by generous support from:

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About The Center for Contemporary Dance A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Center for Contemporary Dance is a leading Florida production center for dance performance and community dance education programs. Over the past 9 years, the organization has supported emerging and seasoned artists in the creation and presentation of more than 200 new dance works, including those by Moore Dance Project, U-Turn Dance Company, Nao Dance Collective, DRIP, Patelworks Dance Theater, Yow Dance and Emotions Dance Company. In addition to producing professional stage productions, the organization develops arts-education programs that reach underserved populations and public schools across 5 Central Florida counties. To learn more, please call (407) 695-8366 or visit www.TheCenterForDance.org. About Moore Dance Project Under the artistic leadership of award-winning choreographer Dario J. Moore, Moore Dance Project is the area’s first and only African-American professional dance ensemble.  The company produces socially-relevant, artistically-engaging dance works that celebrate and examine new perspectives in the African-American experience.  Founded in Washington, DC in 2001, the Project has been operating out of The Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park, FL since 2006.  Since arriving in Central Florida, Moore Dance Project has presented more than 30 new dance works, including those commissioned by the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, Rollins College, the Onyx Awards, Black Enterprise Magazine and the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation.  To learn more, visit www.TheCenterForDance.org.

Yow Dance Performs at Trinity Prep Oct 8-10

Yow Dance performs at Trinity Prep Oct 8-10

Yow Dance kicks off its third season with newfound energy, fresh faces and dynamic choreography.

When:
Friday, October 8 at 8pm
Saturday, October 9 at 8pm
Sunday, October 10 at 2pm

Where:
Trinity Preparatory School
5700 Trinity Prep Lane
Winter Park, FL 32702

Tickets: $10 ($8 for seniors, students and hospitality)
Call 407-421-3564 or visit www.redchairproject.com

Learn more:  www.yowdance.org

3rd Yow Dance Gala This Saturday, September 18

Yow Dance: 3rd Annual Gala is September 18

The third annual Yow Dance Gala is just around the corner. The event raises money for the dance company while entertaining patrons with food, drink, a silent auction — and, of course, a dance performance.

The gala takes place Saturday, Sept. 18, at Tim’s Wine Market, 1223 N. Orange Ave., Orlando.  Guests may eat, drink and socialize the entire evening for  $20. For tickets, go to redchairproject.com; more information at yowdance.org.

The nibbles will be provided by Orlando’s The Social Chameleon, exotic wines by host Tim’s Wine Market, and beer (including seasonal Pumpkinhead Ale!) by Shipyard Brewing Co.

Here are just some of the interesting items up for auction:

•Skincare basket by Prana SpaCeuticals
•Aerial Class at Metropolis Productions
•Autographed CDs by Gabbie McGee
•Tickets to the Enzian Theater, the Salvador Dali Museum and the Albin Polasek Sculpture Gardens
•Artwork by Brice Stephens and Rick Jones
•Cut and color from Nube Nove Hair Salon
•Red wine from Duplin Winery in North Carolina
•One night at the Mount Dora Historic Inn
•Gift certificates for Park Avenue CDs, Ethos Vegan Kitchen and Michael Cairns Photography
•Teeth whitening by Dr. Donald McGee, DMD
(Contact Tyler Reed by e-mail or phone, 407-744-2147, if you have something you’d like to add or to request a proxy bidder.)

The Center for Contemporary Dance Announces 2010-2011 Performance Season

WINTER PARK, FL – September 3, 2010 – The Center for Contemporary Dance is pleased to announce its 2010-2011 season of dance, featuring these performances:

►November 2010
Event Title:  Images and Identity
Event Description:  A series of intimate contemporary dance vignettes by Moore Dance Project bring to the life the symbolism and subjects found in the work of visual artists Jeff Whipple and Trent Tomengo.  Related works by Whipple and Tomengo are exhibited in the gallery at the Museum of Florida Art. 
Date/Time:  Saturday, November 6 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 7 at 2 p.m.
Location:  The Theatre at Museum of Florida Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720
Price:  $20 (general admission); $15 (students and Museum members)
Box Office: Call (407) 695-8366, visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or at the door.

►December 2010
Event Title:  Icarus
Event Description:  A retelling of the classical myth, this contemporary ballet from Moore Dance Project follows a modern man’s psychological and spiritual journey to reach beyond fear into a world of ultimate possibilities.  Original score by Arturo Mayorga and Kevin Gast.
Date/Time:  Saturday, December 11 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 12 at 2 p.m.
Location:  The Theatre at Museum of Florida Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720
Price:  $20 (general admission); $15 (students and Museum members)
Box Office: Call (407) 695-8366, visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or at the door.

►January 2011
Event Title:  Vessels of Knowing
Event Description:  Moore Dance Project and nationally-recognized visual artist Barbara Sorensen fuse contemporary dance and sculpture to explore human-landscape relationships and their connection to the Divine. Event takes place in Museum gallery among Sorensen’s exhibit.
Date/Time:  Saturday, January 15 at 7 p.m.
Location:  The Theatre at Museum of Florida Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720
Price:  $25 (general); $15 (students and Museum Members); includes reception with the artists.
Box Office: Call (407) 695-8366, visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or at the door.
►February 2011:  Regional Tour with ArtsFest Offerings
Event Title:  Sacred Slave Stories
Event Description: Moore Dance Project presents a series of contemporary dance vignettes inspired by historic interviews with formerly enslaved African-Americans, as documented by the Federal Writers’ Project (1936-1938).  Moving between sorrow and joy, Sacred Slave Stories unfolds as a series of living memories that reveal personal accounts of a people’s collective courage, sacrifice and resilience. Includes voiceovers of slave narratives by film actor Harry Burney; post-show dialogue with Artistic Director Dario J. Moore.

Date/Time:  Friday, February 4 at 7 p.m.
Location:  Tavares High School, 603 N. New Hampshire Avenue, Tavares, FL 32778
Price:  ArtsFest offering; entry is free, but reservations are required.
Box Office/ArtsFest Reservations:  Visit www.ArtsFestFL.com or www.redchairproject.com.
General Information:  Call (407) 695-8366

Date/Time:  Saturday, February 5 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 6 at 2 p.m.
Location:  The Theatre at the Museum of Florida Art, 600 N. Woodland Boulevard, DeLand, FL 32720
Price: $15 (general); $10 (students and Museum Members)
Box Office/Ticket Purchase:  Call (407) 695-8366, visit www.TheCenterForDance.org or at the door.

Date/Time:  Saturday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 13 at 2 p.m.
Location:  The Osceola Center for the Arts, 2411 East Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee, FL 3477
Price: ArtsFest offering with limited free tickets; after free tickets gone: $15 (general); $10 (students)
Box Office/ArtsFest Reservations:  Visit www.ArtsFestFL.com or www.redchairproject.com.
General Information:  Call (407) 695-8366

Date/Time:  Saturday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 20 at 2 p.m.
Location:  The Winter Park Playhouse, 711-C Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Price: Saturday – $25 (includes VIP reception), $15 (general), $10 (students); Sunday – $15 (general); $10 (students)
Box Office:  (407) 645-0145, visit www.winterparkplayhouse.org or at the door.                                                                            

Date/Time:  Saturday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m.
Location:  Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 203 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, FL  32771
Price: $15 (general); $10 (students)
Box Office/Ticket Purchase:  Call (407) 321-8111, visit www.wdpac.com or at the door.
►May 2011
Event Title:  Ahimsa
Event Description:  A Sanskrit word meaning ‘nonviolence,’ Ahimsa is a collaborative project by Moore Dance Project and the Asian Cultural Association of Central Florida.  Juxtaposing eastern and western perspectives, Ahimsa fuses contemporary and classical Indian dance (Bharatanatyam and Kathak) to examine global efforts and ideas in nonviolent social change.
Date/Time:  Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m.; Orange County location TBA
Location:  Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 203 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, FL  32771
Price:  $15 (general); $10 (students)
Box Office:  (407) 321-8111, visit www.wdpac.com or at the door.

About The Center for Contemporary Dance
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Center for Contemporary Dance is a leading Florida production center for dance performance and community arts programs. The organization is responsible for the evolution of contemporary dance in the area, supporting the launch of 7 out of 9 regularly-presenting local contemporary dance companies. Over the past 9 years, the organization has supported emerging and seasoned artists in the creation and presentation of more than 200 new dance works, including those by Moore Dance Project, U-Turn Dance Company, Nao Dance Collective, DRIP, Patelworks Dance Theater, Yow Dance and Emotions Dance Company. In addition to producing professional stage productions, the organization develops arts-education programs that reach underserved populations and public schools across 5 Central Florida counties. To learn more, please call (407) 695-8366 or visit www.TheCenterForDance.org.

About Moore Dance Project
Under the artistic leadership of award-winning choreographer Dario J. Moore, Moore Dance Project is one of five professional dance companies supported by The Center for Contemporary Dance, Inc.  As the area’s first and only African-American professional dance ensemble, Moore Dance Project produces socially-relevant, artistically-engaging dance works that celebrate and examine new perspectives in the African-American experience.  Founded in Washington, DC in 2001, the Project has been operating out of The Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park, FL since 2006.  Since arriving in Central Florida, Moore Dance Project has presented more than 30 new dance works, including those commissioned by the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, Rollins College, the Onyx Awards, Black Enterprise Magazine and the Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation.  To learn more, please visit www.TheCenterForDance.org.

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DON’T MISS: MAO’S LAST DANCER TO OPEN AUGUST 27

MAO’S LAST DANCER TO OPEN AUGUST 27 AT REGAL CINEMAS WINTER PARK VILLAGE 20

From Academy Award® nominees Bruce Beresford (director, TENDER MERCIES, DRIVING MISS DAISY), Jane Scott (producer, SHINE) and Jan Sardi (screenwriter, SHINE, THE NOTEBOOK) comes the remarkable true story of ballet dancer Li Cunxin.  MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Chi Cao, a gifted dancer and principal at the Birmingham Royal Ballet making his impressive screen debut as Li.  The cast is rounded out by Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen and Amanda Schull. 

Based on Li’s best selling autobiography, MAO’S LAST DANCER is the epic story of a young poverty stricken boy from China and his inspirational journey to international stardom as a world-class dancer. 

The story begins when a young Li is taken from his peasant home by the Chinese government and chosen to study ballet in Beijing.  Separated from his family and enduring countless hours of practice, Li struggles to find his place in the new life he has been given.  Gaining confidence from a kind teacher’s encouraging guidance and a chance trip to America, Li finally discovers that his passion has always been dance.  

MAO’S LAST DANCER weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life.  The film poignantly captures the struggles, triumphs and the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile. 

The film showcases ballet sequences from acclaimed choreographer Graeme Murphy.  MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Bruce Greenwood (upcoming DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS, STAR TREK, THIRTEEN DAYS), Kyle MacLachlan (upcoming THE SMELL OF SUCCESS,” “Desperate Housewives”), Joan Chen (LUST, CAUTION, THE LAST EMPEROR,), Amanda Schull (CENTER STAGE, “One Tree Hill”) and newcomer Chi Cao as Li Cunxin.   

For additional details and to see the trailer, visit:  www.maoslastdancer-movie.com

For information about showtimes at Regal Cinemas Winter Park 20 call (407) 628-0035 or click HERE.

Free Events to Celebrate National Dance Week

WINTER PARK, FL - April 13, 2010 - The Orlando Public Library and The Center for Contemporary Dance join together to celebrate National Dance Week (April 23-May 2) by presenting a variety of fun and exciting dance events–all week, all free! A chance for dance professionals and the community to connect through movement and culture, National Dance week was implemented more two decades ago to raise awareness about the important artistic and health contributions of dance in our country.  Below is a complete schedule of dance events to be presented by The Center for Contemporary Dance during National Dance Week. All events take place at The Orlando Public Library, located at 101 E. Central Boulevard in Orlando, FL 32801. The library will also make available a diverse, age-appropriate reading list pertaining to the dance arts, including biographies of great American dancers. To learn more, please call (407) 695-8366 or visit www.TheCenterForDance.org.

 

Friday, April 23 from Noon-1pm

Dance Class: The Nia Technique

Anyone can dance with The Nia Technique! A gentle movement practice that blends basic dance technique, yoga and the martial arts, The Nia Technique gives students of all fitness levels the opportunity to discover the joy of dance. Ages 6 to adult. All levels are welcome, including participants new to dance. Attire: Comfortable workout-wear; no shoes are required.

 

Sunday, April 25 from 3:00-4:30pm

Dance Workshop: Creative Movement for Kids (Ages 2-7)

Educate the artist in them! Designed to foster the young dancer’s creativity, confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills, this play-oriented dance workshop introduces children ages 2-7 to the fundamentals of ballet and modern dance. Participants will learn how movement is used to tell stories by linking basic choreography to a collaboratively-developed idea. All levels are welcome, including children new to dance. Attire: Comfortable workout-wear; no shoes are required.

 

Monday, April 26 from 6:30-7:30pm

Dance Class: The Hip Hop Workout

Jump into a high-energy class with an urban groove!  Focusing on toning, cardio and core strength, this class incorporates basic hip hop moves that anyone can do and applies them in a concentrated and fun way!  Ages 6 to adult.  All levels are welcome, including participants new to dance.  Attire:  Comfortable workout-wear and sneakers. 

 

Tuesday, April 27 from 6:30-7:30pm

Dance Class: The Ballet Workout

Workout like a dancer! Popular in celebrity circles, this class is designed for non-dancers and beginners wishing to learn the elegant lines of ballet while getting fit. Focusing on toning and muscle lengthening, The Ballet Workout is ideal for anyone looking to get the lean look of a dancer! Ages 6 to adult. All levels are welcome, including participants new to dance. Attire: Comfortable workout-wear; no shoes are required.

 

Wednesday, April 28 from 6:30-8:00pm

Film Presentation: The Extraordinary Journey of Fernando Bujones

A beautiful, powerful and touching portrait of the ballet legend and former artistic director for Orlando Ballet, whose untimely passing in 2005 shocked the dance world. Acclaimed actors Malcolm McDowell (The Company) and Juan Ferrara (Passion) narrate this documentary in English and Spanish, respectively. Presented in English and followed by a dialogue with filmmaker and documentarian Israel Rodriguez.  

 

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About The Center for Contemporary Dance A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is home to five professional dance companies and an institute for dance education, The Center for Contemporary Dance is a leading production center for dance performance and arts education programs.  Over the past 8 years, The Center for Contemporary Dance has supported emerging and seasoned artists in the creation and presentation of more than 200 new dance works.  In addition to producing professional stage productions, The Center develops arts education programs that reach child welfare organizations, underserved populations and our public schools. To learn more about The Center for Contemporary Dance, please call (407) 695-8366 or log on to www.TheCenterForDance.org.

                                              

An Interview with Creative Director Jessica Mariko: DRIP Gets FRESH for Valentine’s Day!

Creative Director for DRIP, Jessica Mariko

Dance Orlando caught up with DRIP Creative Director Jessica Mariko, to talk about their upcoming immersive and edible performance-art event Fresh.  Occurring for seven days in February (just in time for Valentine’s Day!), Fresh offers a Willy Wonka-like edible fantasy world where couples will watch dancers perform with food, stroll through an art and candy market, indulge in a four-course, hands-on dinner and have the option of participating in a candlelit couples-only body paint workshop with edible paint.  There are evening events throughout the first two weekends of February, in addition to several brunch events.  Here’s what Jessica Mariko had to say about Fresh: 

Dance Orlando: Well I Imagine with just a few days until the kick-off of Fresh you are beyond busy, so thank you for taking the time to meet with us. 

Mariko: Well, yes, Fresh is keeping me busy every moment, but I am happy to take a break and share this labor of love with the dance community. 

DO: Fresh seems like such a major undertaking, so tell me, where did you come up with the idea the event? 

Mariko: I’ve always loved attending arts and culture events but, even if I liked an event, I found myself getting bored at some point in the experience.  I knew there had to be a way to consistently creatively stimulate an audience and give them an experience that would inspire and touch them emotionally.  After much thought, I decided to create a true “experience” based DRIP event that stimulated all of their senses and allowed adults to let out their inner child and play. 

DO: Is this the first performance of Fresh? 

Mariko: No, in 2008 we showcased Fresh as a special two-night performance during ArtsFest and received an overwhelming response, with it being the first event of the 300 plus area performances to sell out. Now, with an expanded schedule and new venue, we have grown Fresh to be an immersive romantic play land that will stimulate all of the senses, allowing couples to excite new flirtations or renew long-term love.  We guarantee that it will be an experience your valentine will not forget. 

DO: What should we expect with Fresh?

 Mariko: Upon entering Fresh, you will experience a Willy Wonka-like edible fantasy world where they watch dancers perform with food, stroll through an art and candy market, indulge in a four-course, hands-on dinner and have the option of participating in a candlelit couples-only body paint workshop — a very special experience where they will get to take their art work home. 

We’ve really gone all out with Fresh and are creating some amazing visual and immersive experiences including a white winter garden with a champagne wishing well, guitar luge and accompanying dance performance in a water box, a bohemian art and candy market featuring local visual artists and old fashion candy and treats, a fantastical tree canopy with appetizer vines hanging from the ceiling, an oil and vinegar pond and a colorful cupcake field.  Also, complimentary massage and henna art is offered for everyone who attends. 

DO: What are some of the dance elements that you are the most proud of? 

Mariko: The dance performances are also beyond even my initial vision.  We are having an aerial waterfall cube dance performance and messy, colorful and unique performances with food throughout the venue including an earthy dance performance in a large coffee mound, fantastical fruits and juices raining on dancers and the surrounding garden, a 10-foot waterfall and a screen-printing performance with edible inks. 

DO: So I must ask.  Tell me, what is it like dancing with food?  Any food types that are particularly hard or fun to work with? 

Mariko: It is truly an indulging experience.  Our performers are able to eat and play with food in ways that most people secretly want to eat food but choose not to because of what is considered “appropriate” in public.  Juices drip down our faces and bodies and we bathe in orange juice rainfalls.   The edible inks are fun but tend to be the most challenging food because of the high concentration of pigment that dyes our skin, sometimes for days.

 DO: Are there any elements that make you nervous?

 Mariko: Our performers dance in a 15- foot wide coffee mound and we are consistently reminding them to plant their feet in the coffee so they don’t slide down it on their bottoms.  The performance piece is very organic and earthy so a sudden avalanche of coffee and dancers wouldn’t exactly fit the piece.

 DO: What are the performance options so our readers can check it out?

Fresh is occurring February 4-6 and February 11-14 at The Cameo Theatre located in downtown Orlando.  We have couples events every night and three brunch events.  Kid’s Fresh is an edible and interactive playland for families on February 6 at 11 a.m.  It is presented by PLAYGROUND Magazine and Misty Forest Enrichment Center and featuring kid-friendly food and entertainment.  The Friends & Singles Brunch is on February 13 at 12:00 p.m. and the Big Gay Brunch is on February 14 at 12:00 p.m.

 DO: Are there any other elements of the event we should know about? 

Mariko: “The Sweeter Experience” ticket add-on gives couples the opportunity to enter the event before the crowd to explore the edible fantasy environment intimately, get a guaranteed complimentary massage and henna sessions, a Banana Leaf Photo Memory Album, a Fresh poster signed by DRIP artists and a professional photo shoot with your sweetheart inside the 10-foot waterfall.   

We’re also offering a vegan food option is also available for no additional charge, and complimentary childcare with art activities is available for children ages 2 to 10 on February 13 and 14 during the Couples Event evening performances.  Childcare is sponsored by Misty Forest Enrichment Center and is offered across the street from the event. 

Tickets are $55 – $107.50 per person.  Kid’s Fresh tickets are $15 for children ages 4 to 17.  Kid’s Fresh adult tickets are $40 per person and children under age 4 are free. Visit www.ilovedrip.com to buy tickets. 

DO: Well we wish you the best with Fresh and can’t wait to check it out. 

Mariko: Thank you, we look forward to seeing Orlando’s dance community at Fresh and to talking with you again soon.

To learn more about DRIP’s Fresh and other upcoming events, please visit www.ilovedrip.com.