As the vibrant summer envelops Portland, July’s dance performances evoke the essence of summer wines, rich in texture and flavor. The artistic lineup this month resembles a curated wine tasting, showcasing a range of performances that are layered with emotion and deeply resonant themes.
With an aim to celebrate the beauty of art without the need for a drink, one can appreciate the performances as a beautiful variety of sensory experiences—each akin to a unique wine that tantalizes the senses.
Kicking off the month is Olga Kravtsova’s ‘Harvest of Woman,’ running from July 4-6 at the CoHo Theater. This earthy red offering is bold, unfiltered, and complex, opening with deep notes of clay and smoke. Kravtsova invites audiences into a raw exploration of the visible and invisible labor of women, capturing both endurance and defiance through visceral movement and sound. Collaborators include Jason Okamoto on sound/video, Duma Du on design, and clay artist K.C. Renée, enhancing the performance’s sensory depth.
Next on the program is Allie Hankins’ ‘By My Own Hand, Part 4: MELODY,’ taking place at Shaking the Tree Theatre from July 11-13. A natural pét-nat, this performance is described as effervescent and unpredictable, fizzling with sonic overtones that reflect dreamlike repetition. Through biomechanics of voice, Hankins blends movement, sound, and memory, offering a work that functions as both elegy and manifesto, filled with humor and the potential for transformation.
On July 18-27, the evening-length performance ‘XO-interstitium,’ produced by Trash Babes Productions in collaboration with A PWNW Alembic, will unfold at Performance Works Northwest. Set to the music of Geovanny Vega, this Alsatian-style Pinot Gris exploration unveils the interstitial spaces between our bodies and relationships. As the performance transitions through stages of attunement—from the warmth of ‘Honey Touch’ to the grounded wisdom of ‘Body Veil’—it invites audiences to experience both healing and curiosity.
Meanwhile, the MOVE Residency showcase at NW Dance Project on July 11 offers a refreshing take akin to a well-balanced rosé. This showcase features new works by choreographers James Gregg and Rebecca Margolick, blending structure with nuanced expression in a manner that is crisp and refreshing. Their contrasting styles present a bouquet of movement that represents both global perspectives and the specific ethos of the Pacific Northwest.
On July 19, ‘TEN TINY DANCES®’ presents a flight of unexpected blends on a 4-by-4-foot stage, emphasizing concentrated choreography and innovation. This annual event, rooted in the creative legacy of Mike Barber, showcases various new works that challenge choreographers to think inventively, ensuring a surprise at every turn.
Lastly, on July 24 and August 2, A-WOL Dance Collective will enchant audiences with ‘ART in the DARK: 10 Laws’ at Mary S. Young Park. This sparkling white performance, set against a backdrop of trees and stars, captures the essence of ethereal dance, creating magic as dancers twist and turn through the treetops. With the music of East Forest accompanying them, the experience straddles the line between tangible and enigmatic, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of movement.
As the summer nights stretch endlessly before us, these performances exemplify freedom of expression, reflective of the warmth and vibrancy of Oregon summers. Each work invites audiences to relax, engage with art on multiple sensory levels, and savor these experiences, akin to a fine glass of wine on a long summer night.
As one contemplates this spectacular month of dance, it’s clear that the artistic community in Portland is bursting with creativity and passion, transforming the landscape of performance art. The anticipation for each unique offering grows, promising a season where art thrives in the warmth of summer.
image source from：orartswatch
