Standing in the Current June 4, 2010

June 4 & 5 at 8pm & June 6 at 3pm

Susan Donham of Spinning Yarns Dance Collective and Robin Anderson with Chicago based RE|Dance combine their creative efforts to co-present Standing in the Current, an evening of contemporary dance and dance theater works. With a shared interest in peoples' stories, the production highlights many different characters journeys' through the terrain of human fragility and strength. The show's three works explore the contrast of leading and being guided, controlling and surrendering, and transitioning in both calm and out of control states. Anderson and RE|Dance present a work that delves into the construction of the artistic mind while Donham presents two explorations around impermanence and love. Together both groups' choreographic investigations display the vulnerability of individuals' stories.

The production marks Spinning Yarns' 12th anniversary as well as Robin Anderson's committed practice to long distance collaboration to give small dance companies national exposure. Spinning Yarns Dance Collective presents Holding On and Letting Go I & II two works that explore transitions, sacred space and impermanence. For both works Donham draws upon her experiences as an interfaith chaplain and the sudden death of her sister in a rock climbing accident. The second work explores these ideas through physical metaphors of holding on and letting go: of entering and exiting, cradling and being cradled, and confining and releasing. Both delicate and frenetic, The Mysterious Disappearance of the Second Youngest Sister is a trio presented and performed by Robin Anderson with Michael Estanich and Lucy Riner of Chicago based RE|Dance. Creating work grounded in dance, theatre and sculpture, their work explores the intertwined relationship of three characters caught within one young female writer's reality and creative imagination. The dance uses the relationship between author and characters as a symbol for psychological unraveling and the desire to connect.

Official Website: http://www.spinningyarns.org