Many an experience I have had. But few compare to the first time I danced with light. I was at a regional Burn, when I came across The Electric Heliotrope Theater of Lorne Covington. Lorne, a geek to the enth degree — and an overall super-nice guy, had created a light/shadow computer program that interacts with body movements and then projects the images onto a screen. There at night, in the fields and camping area of a music festival, people were invited to come and dance with the light, compliments of Lorne’s technical ability, creative capacity and artistic desires.
It was muy fun, both to do and to watch. And, I did my best to share the opportunity, but I have to admit, I hovered around Lorne’s theme camp and popped before the screen to dance, dance, dance whenever the space opened up to do so.
Personally, I’m a bit bummed to have learned that Lorne and his family are moving out of the DC Metropolitan area, though it’s a great move for them. They’ll be in a place where they can have more land, home, space … and a studio. But you don’t have to bummed: Lorne’s connections to the art and geek scene in this region are still strong. And you have an opportunity to see his Electric Heliotrope Theater in action this coming weekend. Head on over to Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mt. Rainier, Md., where local artists Laura Schandelmeier and Stephen Clapp, in collaboration with guest dance artists Ilana Silverstein and Mervin Primeaux, will offer a performance including the Electric Heliotrope Theater. The performance is called The Loving Project: E-Race, and you can get tickets here.
If you’ve yet to get to Joe’s, it’s worth the trip to see community revitalization made manifest. Joe’s is an anchor project in the Prince George’s Gateway County Arts District and has been an integral component of the revitalization of Mt. Rainier, Md., and that little and oft-neglected section of the DC Metropolitan region. If you do go to the performance, perhaps you’ll arrive early and enjoy a meal at one of restaurants or cafes in the area. On word from the staff at Joe’s, try as Starlight Cafe, Franklins Brewery or Rhode Island Reds. For a quick bite to eat right across the street, try ZZ’s Pizza.
While, I can’t promise that there will be freestyle dancing afterward, I can offer that you may well witness one of the most beautiful relationships between human form, dance and the interactive light.
The meek may inherit the earth. But the geeks sure are showing us the light and bringing some heavenly experiences in the meantime.
Rock on!
