AKIMBO, a large scale collaboration between Baltimore’s Dance Community invaded the streets (and venues) of Station North last weekend for its premiere site-specific dance experience.
The event, which featured 17 dance companies, attracted over 400 visitors on a brisk Saturday afternoon.
“The response was huge,” says Nicole A. Martinell, Founder and Artistic Director of Deep Vision Dance Company and Founding Director of AKIMBO. “Everyone was so excited to walk around and not only see the dance, but also explore the neighborhood.”
This excitement was one of the goals for the “Think Big” Grants that AKIMBO received to jump start this project. The grant, offered by Station North Arts & Entertainment District, Inc. recently completed its third cycle of grant funding, offered to a variety of arts and cultural programming within the district. After a successful crowdsourcing campaign to raise additional funds, AKIMBO was off the ground and on its feet!
In August, AKIMBO presented a preview performance at select sites, and last Wednesday, the companies all gathered at the Windup Space for the AKIMBO Spree, which was part social gathering, part casual performance. Aside from being a place for the dance companies as well as their fans and friends to come together as one, this night also offered a rare opportunity for companies to see each others work.
Martinell proudly recognizes that collaboration is the ultimate goal of this project. “The dance community came together, supported each other, and unified. It left everyone feeling happy to be part of the Baltimore dance scene!” In a follow-up with AKIMBO participants, they were asked what has spawned from the event. Most, if not all, cited pending collaborations with new friends and colleagues they had met through AKIMBO. Mission Accomplished.
While it was impossible to catch all the action, check out these amazing photos captured by What Weekly’s very own Theresa Keil!
Photos from Sky Blue Pink/Carl Stevens at Honey Carryout
Alongside the new MICA art installation, performance art collaborative “Sky Blue Pink” entertains and entrances audiences through the use of elaborate costumes, unique characters, and raw talent. The Honey Carryout INVITED installation is by artist Shana Goestch.
Photos from The Collective at Area 405
In collaboration with the local band, The Water, The Collective creates an immersive performance experience in Area 405. Audience is involved in the performance and able to move fluidly throughout the environment.
Photos from Dance & Bmore at Gallery CA
Entitled “Voices & Choices,” Dance & Bmore creates movement inspired by the spoken word and songs of artists. The Edge of Water, an exhibition of paintings by Julia Foote & Heather Joi, is featured throughout Gallery CA.
Photos from Effervescent Collective at Cork Factory/David Herman
Effervescent Collective performs improvisational work inspired by the minimalist artwork of David Herman on the 2nd floor of the Cork Factory.
Photos from Fluid Movement at Calvert/Federal Park
Fluid Movement’s classic Milkmaids will teach an German inspired line dance with lots of slapping and good fun for all! Come ready to dance!
Photos from Electric Heart Engine at Nutty Sensations
Electric Heart Engine engages audiences as dancers move alongside the interactive MICA art installation. Nutty Sensations INVITED instalation by artist Emily C-D.
The People:
