Why you should go see the Barn Storm Dance Fest
Houston! I am really pumped– lemme tell you why.
I just watched the second weekend of Barn Storm Dance Fest, and last weekend I was able to see Program 1. Barn Storm Dance Fest is a three-weekend dance festival produced by Dance Source Houston– Houston’s dance service organization. Dance Source Houston has exploded in the last couple of years. They have taken over The Barn (formerly Barnevelder Performing Arts Complex), and worked to raise the funding to subsidize rentals for artists and arts organizations; They have started an Artist in Residency Program (AIR) for three artists each year to use the space to develop new work; They now offer Micro Grants for production costs (Frame Dance is eternally thankful!); and they produce the Barn Storm Dance Festival to showcase dance from Houston and other Texas cities.
What strikes me (as someone who is not participating as an artist in this festival) is the importance for dancers and choreographers to convene. It has been special to watch pieces from veteran and emerging choreographers on the same show. This is very valuable for the health of dance in our city. The shows have been running flawlessly, and lit beautifully. I imagine you’ll have your favorites, some that don’t touch you as poignantly, and others that will push you a little as a viewer. That’s the beauty of the festival format– you get to see so much. I walk away from the first two programs proud of our city and all of the dance in it! Thank you, Dance Source Houston, for bringing these artists together and producing such an extensive festival, and thank you to the artists for making dance. You have two more chances to see it this weekend and a full weekend for Program 3. Tickets and info here.
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