Colin Dunne : VIDEO : Out of Time
August 2nd, 2011Twisting Tradition: Colin Dunne Out of Time
July 26th, 2011
In an intimate and playful presentation, Colin Dunne’s Out of Time brings movement, sound and image together to create a provocative dialogue between past and present that shatters his preceding reputation for being a traditional Irish-step dancer.
Shocking to many dance aficionados, the Irish dance icon and former Riverdance star gravitated away from traditional Irish stepping in favor of forward-stepping contemporary dance. After earning his M.A. in Contemporary Dance Performance from the University of Limerick in 2002, Dunne began exploring the fluidity of modern dance.
“I had the chance to step out of the traditional Irish dance box and immerse myself in a new practice,” Dunne said during a 2009 interview with Dance Magazine. “Now the two for me are one.”
An Irish step dancer turned contemporary performer? “It’s about making it work,” said Dunne.
And it does.
Dunne began paving a new path for himself as a solo artist with short performances presented at The Vail International Dance Festival in Colorado, the Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Canada, and The Queen Elisabeth Hall in London, in addition to partnering with several choreographers across the world.
His first major modern performance at The Barbican in Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre’s production of The Bull earned him a nomination for a UK Circle National Dance Award for Best Male: Modern Dance. To date he holds techniques nine World, eleven Great Britain, nine All-Ireland and eight All-England titles under his belt.
In keeping with his exploration of the space between traditional and modern, Dunne’s first full-length solo show Out of Time investigates multimedia with the use of sound technology, film, text, and of course, various facets of dance including tap rhythms that only Dunne is capable of.
Dunne is poised to share Out of Time with audiences at the Ringling International Arts Festival this October at The Mertz Theatre. Patrons can be part of the provocative dialogue between past and present, witness the mature movements of a performer who has dedicated his life to exploring the relationship of sound and movement and experience the performance that earned a nomination for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.
Colin Dunne will perform Out of Time at The Metz Theatre Oct. 13 at 8pm, Oct. 14 at 2pm, Oct. 15 at 5pm and Oct. 16 at 5 pm. Learn more and purchase tickets
Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute!
May 13th, 2011
Brooklyn Rider
Some of you may remember last season’s sold out performances, but if you don’t, let this be a reminder. The Ringling International Arts Festival has become one of the most successful events in Sarasota with performers and audience members coming from around the world. It is easy to put off buying tickets for the the performances, but many performances were sold out well in advance. You can still take advantage of the ticket packages to receive discounts as some are still available. For more information about ticket packages, call the box office at (941)360-7399, seven days a week, 10 am to 4 pm EST. You can also get a discount as a member of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Single tickets are also available online starting May 14th and at the box office starting May 15th. Although you may not have heard of some or all of the performers, we strongly recommend that you see as much as you can to enjoy the full range and depth of the Festival experience!
Opening Night With Brass And Drums!
May 13th, 2011
Asphalt Orchestra
Festival openings from the past two RIAF seasons have been very festive and memorable. Attendees would see a dramatic performance either after or before a dazzling soiree on the Museum Courtyard. This season, that will change. The event and the performance will be one. New York City’s Asphalt Orchestra will be performing their radical approach to the marching band tradition, moving among the revelers as they enjoy cocktails and delicious delicacies. The Orchestra’s approach takes street music to a whole new level. Using brass and percussion, they perform a vast collection of musical styles such as jazz, rock and classical. Their performance style allows this roving band of players the opportunity to take the music to the people in a way that is exciting, disruptive and infectious.
The 12 performers are all highly regarded in their own right. The New York Times refers to the group as “12 top-notch brass and percussion players.” If you think it will be your standard soiree band-for-hire, you will be mistaken. The Opening Night festivities usually sell out, so don’t delay. Get your tickets now.
So Long, 2010 RIAF, And Thank You To All!
October 18th, 2010
The 2010 Ringling International Arts Festival is now a part of the history books. The Festival was over 90% sold-out and audiences local, national and international enjoyed incredible performances by artists from around the world. We want to thank you for supporting the Festival and we look forward to planning for next year. We know that as long we have talented and innovative artists coming to perform here, we have an audience ready to embrace them!
If you would like to find out first about what will come next year, become a Friend of RIAF. You can find out more by visiting our website.
Weekend Ticket Update: A Few Good Seats Left
October 16th, 2010There is so much to do today and tomorrow. You can bring your kids to the Family FunFest going on from 1 pm to 4 pm and children under 17 are admitted free with a paid adult. This evening, there is jazz starting at 6:30 by the Ca’ d’Zan on the waterfront.
You can call box office for tickets (800-660-4278) or visit our website. You can also purchase tickets at the Festival box office located in the Visitors Pavilion. The following shows still have some good seats left:
- Andrew Dawson’s “Space Panorama“
- Les SlovaKs “Opening Night“
- Rubberbandance Group’s “Loan Sharking“
Review of Andrew Dawson’s “Space Panorama”
October 16th, 2010If you haven’t gotten to see “Space Panorama,” see Jay Handelman’s review. You can bring your kids, too!
Are You Enjoying The Festival? Then Let Us Know On Facebook
October 15th, 2010Go here to discuss your experiences with the Festival!
Forman Brothers: Who Ever Knew That Marionettes Could Be This Much Fun!
October 15th, 2010What can you say about the incredible Forman Brothers Theatre performance of “Opera Baroque” that hasn’t been said in twenty other languages. This world renowned group of performers bring their special brand of storytelling to the Festival and to the hearts of their unsuspecting patron. It is a playful farce mixing traditional marionettes with live actors, adapted from the 18th-century “Czech Opera About a Comically Small Crooked-Looking Chimney Built by Masons, or the Quarrel Between the Landlords and Its Masons.”
It is presented on a miniature replica of a traditional opera stage with more action than you can imagine in such a small space. The brothers mix their unbelievable marionette skills with their own impersonations of the action that is occurring on stage. The puppets come to life right in front of your eyes and you are treated to a never before seen experience as you lose yourself in the story and laugh at all of the hilarious interactions between the Forman Brothers and the marionettes.
