EDITORIAL: “Like No One Is Watching …”

CREDIT: Amy Hart

EDITOR’ NOTE: Today’s batch of The Biscuit features an editorial from Audrey Baran, artistic director of Baran Dance. 

I’ve been a dance artist in Charlotte for half my life, and over the last 20 years, a LOT has changed.

Back in the day, there was only North Carolina Dance Theater (now, Charlotte Ballet, for the transplants) and Moving Poets (who split their time between Berlin and Charlotte). Open Door Studios opened in 2005 as a one room dance studio, not yet the hub for classes, rehearsals and performances it is today.

A TIME TO GET SCRAPPY.

Scrappy dance collectives like Project Incite, TAPROOT and Triptych Collective emerged in the early 2010s, but the dance scene was paltry next to “artsier” areas of North Carolina like Durham, Asheville, or even Greensboro. 

CREDIT: Amy Hart

Now, Charlotte is buzzing with dance! Many artists in the aforementioned groups are still making moves, just in different forms. Local choreographers, emerging and seasoned alike, create incredibly innovative work, most recently seen in Goodyear Arts’ Action Series. There’s contemporary dance, African Diasporic dance and classical Indian dance, all of them showcased in the NC Choreographers Project produced by Martha Connerton/Kinetic Works. 

Companies like mine – Baran Dance – often collaborate with visual, musical, literary, and culinary artists, creating interdisciplinary performances that even the freshest dance patron can appreciate. As they say, Charlotte’s got a lot – experimental, commercial, site-specific and concert dance. And, more often than not, you can enjoy a tasty beverage while taking in a viscerally inspiring ephemeral movement experience.

CREDIT: Amy Hart

AN AUDIENCE CHALLENGE …

But here’s the problem – not a lot of people see what we’re all doing. In relative comparison to local sporting events, music concerts, and even art gallery receptions, audiences at dance performances pale. You can blame the lack of resources for advertising or insufficient word of mouth. But, that’s too simple. 

I believe dance as an artform is still trying to shake the antiquated stereotype that it’s overly feminine, elitist, expensive or downright boring. If you’ve experienced any of the companies I mentioned above, you know none of these are inherently true – but that’s also the problem. Dance audiences are loyal but insular.

The same faces show up throughout Charlotte Ballet’s season. Goodyear Arts has a pool of healthy regulars. But unless you personally know someone involved in a local dance performance, you’re probably not in the room. Not enough people are willing to gamble on spending their evening with dance. 

It’s time to fix that. 

CREDIT: Amy Hart

A CHALLENGE TO YOU: STEP UP. TAKE A CHANCE.

Charlotte, I call on you to take that chance. 

We need the same audience that lined up for Hamilton tickets, packed out Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and secured their Nutcracker seats in July (all this, rightly so). I challenge you to support smaller, homegrown choreographers and collectives, too.

Experience something with perhaps less production pomp, but just as much heart, virtuosity, athleticism and creativity (for less than half the price!)

What if just a fraction of the folks who rocked out the Lovin’ Life Music Festival brought equal enthusiasm to a local dance performance?

As a Charlotte-based choreographer, dancer, and director, I personally welcome noisy, encouraging audiences and occasional crowd surfing. But here’s the thing – to make some noise and safely surf, you gotta bring the crowd.

See you at the show, Charlotte. I dare you.

 

SEE THE SHOW.

Baran Dance presents BIG MOVES: BIG IDEAS

Parr Center at Central Piedmont Central Campus
1201 Elizabeth Ave.
General Admission: $35 / VIP $50
GET TICKETS

• Saturday, June 7
  VIP reception 7 p.m. / Performance 8 p.m.
• Sunday, June 8
  VIP reception 5 p.m. / Performance 6 p.m.

Voted “Best Dance Troupe” by Queen City Nerve, Baran Dance created its newest performance — BIG MOVES: BIG IDEAS — by crowdsourcing public input and suggestions.

The performance features eclectic, innovative choreography and a collaboration between Baran Dance company dancers and interns. As the culminating concert of their crowdsourced season, this truly Charlotte-made production is not to be missed! 

** VIP tickets include a pre-show reception an hour before the performance. VIP guests will enjoy appetizers, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

GET A SNEAK PEEK 

Friday afternoon, we introduced Jana Angel and the QC Life viewers to Audrey Baran. And, dancers from Baran Dance, treated viewers to a sneak peek of their June 7-8 show, BIG MOVES: BIG IDEAS. Watch their performance here. And, get tickets here.