What’s Been Going On?

“Lava” — an excerpt From “Easter Island Memoirs.” Cleveland Public Theatre DanceWorks ’18. Photo: Elizabeth Eader

The weekend of May 31 – June 2, Inlet performed as Week #3 for Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual DanceWorks Series, featuring artists from all over Northeast Ohio. Receiving standing ovations and a sold out crowd on Thursday, Inlet performed the renowned “Easter Island Memoirs” as the first half of the night. The second half consisted of two world premiere’s: “Still I Rise” and “Sojourn”. Both pieces are committed to addressing the world’s current condition, but instilling hope for the future. The entire night of concert dance was titled “…home…” as ultimately that is what mankind is searching for; a place to call home. Inlet is blessed to have had this opportunity to share art with the community and can’t wait for next year! Check out this review article from COOL Cleveland for more interesting insight.

Photo: Thom Sivo

While the Company Members closed out DanceWorks ’18 on June 2, members of the Inlet Trainee & Apprentice Program boogied the night away at Cleveland Play House’s annual benefit gala. The gala themed “The Disco Ball” featured many a disco ball, colorful lights, VIP lounges and glamorous disco costumes all designed by the incredible Chris Kascsak of CLE Design Studios. During cocktail hour, members of the Inlet Trainee & Apprentice Program could be seen on pedestals in glamourous poses rocking disco attire (and some glitzy high heels) that would have resembled at night out at Studio 54. A few guests even thought they were mannequins at first! After the performance and auction portion, the evening wrapped up with the members of the Inlet Trainee & Apprentice getting the party started on the dance floor to do the hustle and dance ‘til dawn (or 11pm). It was a funky, groovy, fun event and the members of the Inlet Trainee & Apprentice Program were thrilled to be a part of it.

Bill, Libby, Dominic, and Erin in L.A. for the Dance/USA Conference.

One of the reasons Dance/USA (June 6 – 9, 2018) is such an important conference is because it gives Inlet a moment to look at the national dance landscape inside of a fast & furious week of meetings, break out sessions, and performances. Attending the conference with hundreds of artists, directors, managers, and executives, we sit inside of practical discussions like ” Artist as Entrepreneurs”, heated debates like “Bridging the Gap: Concert Dance and Commercial Dance” or be inspired by Dance/USA awardees like Debbie Allen, or Cleveland’s own Mary Verdi-Fletcher! As an organization we understand our culture, business model, and choreography come from place of creativity and innovation but there is always room to gain more information and advice from our peers around the country.

Non-Traditional Partnering, Ad Deum Summer Intensive 2018.

During the residency in Houston, Company Member Dominic Moore-Dunson and Exec/Artistic Director Bill Wade had the privilege of teaching/performing at Ad Deum Dance Company’s Summer Intensive 2018. We started the week performing “Still I Rise” during the faculty showcase as a way to set context for the camp. Bill and Dominic taught Erick Hawkins Release Technique, Non-Traditional Partnering, Improvisation, Repertory, and facilitated a dance composition lecture. One of the benefits of this trip is that it exposes students who are predominately from the southern states to Inlet. Fortunately, the bounce back from teaching in Houston is Inlet attracts a lot of dancers from that intensive. Many company members throughout Inlet’s history met Bill in Houston. We had a great time and look forward to going back next season.