Mendocino College Repertory Dance Company Presents "Open Air"
b"October 28, 2021--Mendocino College Repertory Dance Company will present its upcoming show, Open Air, November 5th, 6th and 7th at the Ukiah campus. Performance Director Eryn Shon-Brunner says the show's title is fitting, as all of the original pieces of this innovative dance performance will unfold outside in different locations on Mendocino College's Ukiah Campus.\\n\\nThe outdoor, roving show allows both the audience and performers to enjoy dance and the beauty of Ukiah\\u2019s college campus while adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols. Four pieces, ranging in tone from serious to comical to ritualistic, will be danced in four different locations throughout the grounds.\\n\\nThe first piece, called \\u201cRagtime,\\u201d will take place in the heart of campus at the Pomo Plaza. College dance instructor and choreographer Kirsten Turner presents this 1960\\u2019s ragtime ballet as a nod to the famous 20th century choreographer George Balanchine, regarded as the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet. \\n\\nThe next dance, created by students Ari Sunbeam and Jay Haralson, is called \\u201cRaising the Bar\\u201d and is set on the steps of the College Library, one of the campus\\u2019 most stunning architectural buildings. Sunbeam\\u2019s choreography is inspired by his observations of nature, in particular the mating rituals of birds and other animals.\\n\\nFollowing the silliness of \\u201cRaising the Bar\\u201d is a ritualistic dance choreographed by Pilates instructor Dena Watson Krast called \\u201cCornucopia.\\u201d This piece is set under a beautiful grove of giant oaks adorned with colorfully dyed fabrics created by Mendocino College Costume designer Kathy Dingman-Katz, who oversees all the costume pieces in the show. The combination of natural beauty, costuming and dance make \\u201cCornucopia\\u201d a feast for the eyes. \\n\\nThe final piece of Open Air, choreographed by Schon-Brunner, is called \\u201cIn the Round\\u201d and is danced in an open, grassy field in the middle of campus. \\n\\nOpen Air begins each night at 5:00 pm, and tickets are free. The audience is asked to convene in front of the Mendocino\\u2019s large theater, called the Center for Visual and Performing Arts."