“YA BASTA!” Arlene López screams before throwing a bowl of white
flour across the room at the House of Neighborly Service. No, she is not angry,
she is in rehearsal for the much anticipated “Dancing the Mural” performance.
Arlene is one of three senior citizen dancers from the South Tucson community
that will be taking the stage alongside professional performers for the
unveiling of “Color the Mural” in March.
Arlene will be joined onstage by friends and fellow retirees Irma
Marsical Marmion and Guadalupe “Lupita” Coburn.
Safos
director and “Tortilla Dance” choreographer Yvonne Montoya explains “One of
the main goals of this project was to
involve community members at every stage of the artistic process. Not only
did that mean community members voted on the theme and design of the mural, and
painted the mural, but that also means that the dance theatre production will feature performances by senior and
youth community dancers.” This is the first time Safos will feature community members in a performance.
“This
is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to perform in my community.” Arlene
says. “This mural represents a lot of my
history.”
Regarding the rehearsal process, Yvonne
says “This is very exciting! I love
working with the ladies. They are motivated, naturally talented, and they are fast
learners. I am not taking it easy on them and they are rising to the challenge.
I am very proud of them!”
Checkout Arlene’s interview about her role in “Dancing the Mural” and what this
project means to her in its entirety below and stay tuned for an interview
with Irma coming in February.
Then come check out this dance March 27+28th
at Dancing the Mural!
