IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre delves into the creative action of dance and painting, set to live music by the Quadraphonix in 'Paint By Number,' scheduled for June 9, 10 and 11 and June 16, 17 and 18 at Ward Gateway Center, 333 Ward Avenue in the former Sports Authority building. Tickets are $35 online in advance and $40 at the door. There is a $5 discount for students. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.paintbynumber.eventbrite.com.
Inventively, 'Paint By Number' transforms the former Sports Authority space with a fantasy of color. IONA dancers are human paintbrushes and pallets, beginning the evening in the fertile white void of a blank masterpiece-to-be. As the dynamics pick up, the white floor canvas is no longer pristine; the stage comes alive with a new dimension of movement and color complimented and commanded by the Quadraphonix's music. It is in the creative process itself that 'Paint By Number' tells a story of humanity, humor, peace, passion, and life. This process is a doorway into a unique experience that will leave each audience member with an urge take a dip in the powerful paint elixir.
IONA provides the entire front row of the audience with plastic sheeting reminiscent of a Gallagher performance- not to worry though, the paint is washable! Select audience members are also given painting paraphernalia in order to participate in the magnum opus. The intimate audience-dancer interaction combined with the colorful bodies and free-form music of the Quadraphonix, presents a different experience at each performance, magically tying together the process of dance, music, and painting. This is a family-friendly show that everyone will enjoy.
Cheryl Flaharty, an award-winning choreographer, draws on her strengths as a fusion artist in the Company's first public performance since May 2015. IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre is known for using unique and non-traditional spaces and venues to showcase their art - taking the creative process of dance, theatre, and visual arts out of the conventional theatre and into a more interactive environment. "Performing arts are rapidly moving out of the traditional proscenium and are being made more accessible to the public through raw spaces like this, allowing for an intimate experience for both the performers and audience members" says Flaharty, IONA founder and Artistic Director.
Paint By Number,' is scheduled for June 9 and 10 at 8:00 p.m. and June 11 at 7:00 p.m. and June 16 and 17 at 8:00 p.m. and June 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Ward Gateway Center at 333 Ward Avenue in the former Sports Authority building. Tickets can be purchased at www.paintbynumber.eventbrite.com.
About IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre
IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre, under the guidance of Founder and Artistic Director Cheryl Flaharty, has been a leader in the Hawaii dance community for over 27 years, presenting innovative programming and performing at local venues and festivals, as well as making national appearances. IONA is dedicated to the creation and performance of innovative dance/theatre works that provide transformational imagery and messages. Its mission is to effect a positive change in the community while providing opportunities for artists to evolve. The Company aspires to create high quality work that inspires social, personal and spiritual growth, bridges cultural experiences, and provides a greater understanding of how the arts affect all of our lives. Information on IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre is also available on the website, www.iona360.com.
Recognized for mounting unique works in top local theatres as well as diverse non-traditional locales and now on the Internet with 'E-Seasons' of virtual shows, IONA's presentations always blaze a trail of creativity. IONA annually reaches as many as 25,000 individuals statewide and has toured to the western U. S. and Shanghai, China.
