Of Moving Colors company member Isabel Nasr will perform in 'Orchid's Arc.'
The music selection for "Orchid's Arc" is really a perfect metaphor for the show.
That's how Garland Goodwin Wilson sees it, and her explanation for it is on target.
Wilson is the artistic director for Of Moving Colors. The contemporary dance-theater company will close out its 36th season with "Orchid's Arc" at 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, in the Manship Theatre.
The program is an original contemporary dance work by associate director Hannah Knoff and investigates themes of memory and things that individuals hold dear in their lifetimes.
"Our music is going to be a mix of everything from Philip Glass to Patsy Cline," Wilson said. "But when I think about that, the music is a great example of what our show is about with Philip Glass offering an energy that's dreamy and Patsy Cline being about as nostalgic as you can get. So I think that's a great hands-on way to explain the theme of what's going on in our show."
Cast members perform to Patsy Cline's 'Crazy.'
"Orchid's Arc" was inspired by Knoff's work assisting instructor Susan Perlis in teaching Of Moving Color's dance classes for Parkinson's patients. Wilson and Knoff usually met for coffee after class and talked about what Parkinson's students were discussing.
This led to the show, which led to the incorporation of some of the Parkinson's patients in the production.
"This is the second work that Hannah is producing," Wilson said. "I think it's been a really beautiful process for her to just discover how to create a dance work for people of all ages."
The theme of memories will be illustrated through dance in a variety of ways, including a technique called "mirroring."
"Our professional dancers will be doing this," Wilson said. "It will be like looking in a mirror and responding to what the other person brings into your path, which is exactly what happens in life. You know, we are continuously responding to what people are bringing into our path, and that's beautiful to see in dance. It might be abstract for the person on the fourth row in the audience, but the intention has been really beautiful to see and process."
Of Moving Colors company member Isabel White will dance in 'Orchid's Arc.'
As for Knoff, she presents memories as something valuable.
"Memories are the cherished treasures of our lives," she said. "Whether they are laden with joy or sorrow, they are gemstones we carefully preserve. Each one is a unique reflection of our journey through time and experience."
"Orchid’s Arc," Knoff added, traces the ebb and flow of life's continuum.
"My hope is that every audience member discovers a personal connection within the show, be it through its music, movement or the nostalgic embrace of shared experiences," she said.
However, not all of the show's memories are based on the Parkinson's dance students' life experiences.
"Some of those dances are just springboarded from different memories that Hannah has talked about and memories from her life and her family," Wilson said. "So it's not just the memories of others, it's also a reflection of what Hannah has experienced, and it’s been a pleasure to watch her as she finds her path."
As she reflects on the creation of "Orchid's Arc," Wilson believes the show reflects the dance company's mission.
"Our classes for Parkinson’s, as well as our collaborations with Big Buddy, are beautiful in that we are not only working with dancers professionally but we have an opportunity to see dance on people of all ages — and how movement brings a sense of freedom or confidence or joy to each individual," she said. "It really is a beautiful process."