DANCING THE MURAL: Guitars and an Ode to the Sonoran Desert

Choreographer Grace Rhyne loves the Sonoran desert.  Last season, Grace debuted “The Sonoran Situation” a dance about the intense heat of the Sonoran desert before monsoon season. When Grace saw the rays of sunshine radiating from the center of the mural, she knew she had the perfect piece of choreography for that image.

Grace will be re-staging what she lovingly refers to as the “desert piece,” for the debut of "Dancing the Mural." There will be some changes to the dance this time around.  Drawing upon the mural's depiction of a guitar teacher leading a summer music camp at the House of Neighborly Service, the 67 year old  social service agency in South Tucson on which the mural is based, Grace will be performing the piece with guitarist Eugene Shem.  Eugene will provide live musical accompaniment. Grace says “I am excited about this collaboration and fusion of artistic forms.” She adds “Fusion is a tenant of Safos.”

Artistic Director Yvonne Montoya chose to open the show with this piece to situate the audience in the desert landscape.  Grace is excited to restage this dance outside in a site specific location in South Tucson. She says “This season the piece will be outside in nature, where it belongs.”
 
Come check out this dance March 27+28^th at Dancing the Mural!