What’s your spirit animal? You may get inspired by attending InnerRhythms Dance Theater’s “Midsummer Nightmare, TOTEMS,” a full-fledged extravaganza of original dance and acrobatics, improvised percussion, colorful sets and imaginative costumes. TOTEMS brings world-class performance arts to Sand Harbor on Aug. 26 and 27.
The production is the brainchild of InnerRhythms co-founding artistic directors Sheri Woodsgreen and Elizabeth Archer, in collaboration with freelance choreographer Chris Childers. It features international performance artists who come to Tahoe a week before the show to rehearse with local talent from the Truckee-based community dance program. This will be the third installment in the Midsummer Nightmare series to play at Sand Harbor following the closing weekend of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
“It references Shakespeare in a dark, eerie way,” says Childers.
The theme of the show explores the connection between humans and animals and the mutual responsibility to protect the planet from death and destruction.
“We want to express something close
to our heart and our vehicle is dance.
It’s a conscious choice for us. We want to talk
about something that makes a difference.”
– Elizabeth Archer
“When you look into any animal’s eyes, it’s like a window to the soul,” says Archer. “Native Americans looked to the animals around them to learn about life and they would take on their essence. It’s believed they have a spirit essence that interacts with them as humans. Our message is we have to protect that so animals don’t become extinct. It’s a shared experience we’re having on a beautiful place called Earth. We want to express something close to our heart and our vehicle is dance. It’s a conscious choice for us. We want to talk about something that makes a difference. We hope it can have a ripple effect.”
The producers aim to deliver an astounding performance that also carries an important message. It’s this dual mission that helps to attract such renowned talent to work with a local nonprofit.
“As someone who travels the world, I come back because that message for me is from the heart and there’s not enough of it in the arts,” says Childers.
One of the local benefits of the production is that it provides student dancers with the opportunity to work with industry phenoms from around the world. Featured guest artists include aerialists, dancers and choreographers who have performed in Cirque du Soleil shows and toured with Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Beyoncé and Paul McCartney.
There’s also a one-of-a-kind stilt walker, Trey Knight, in his role as Odious Odell Night III. Partner studios Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre, Greathouse of Dance, TwoPoint4 Dance Theater and The Loft Dance Theater Arts from Reno also plan to join in the splendor.
“Through amazing talent we want to transform the audience to someplace they’ve never been before,” says Woodsgreen. “By bringing in this talent, we have opened our local community to the exposure of collaborating with professional dancers. It’s one experience that people in a small community never get. ”
It’s easy to see that the dancers are like a family. Each summer, alumni return from their conservatories and colleges to mentor and coach the younger dancers and join in the performance.
“Our alumni are talented young people who come back to work with younger dancers and show them the ropes,” says Woodsgreen. “That’s unheard of. We’re very lucky.”
This professional exposure along with intimate support and encouragement creates a truly positive impact on the teen dancers in the show.
“It’s really inspiring,” say Parker Doolan, 14. “The alumni come back and we have someone to look up to when they come.”
It’s a challenge that the girls anticipate all year.
“I’m excited because there is new energy coming in and it’s going to bring it to a new level,” says Kassidy Commendatore, 17. “We do a lot of performances, but not like this. We’ve always pulled together in the end.”
InnerRhythms offers classes for all ages in hip-hop, ballet and contemporary theater. Students age 12 and older can audition for professional productions.
“It’s about providing the opportunity for the kids,” says Archer.
In fact, the fantasy couldn’t be created without them. “They are the core of the show, the thread that keeps you engaged throughout,” say Childers.
Is this really a nightmare or is it more like a dream? It’s up to you, but if you are planning to join the artists in their unique world, get your tickets soon because last year’s production sold out.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.innerrhythms.org.
