For 30 years, dancers and choreographers have been celebrating with Dances on the Lakewalk. The annual tradition continues this weekend with performances on July 9th, 10th, and 11th beginning at 7pm in the Rose Garden in Duluth.
"Back in '96 we did Bridge Dancing," says coordinator Doris Ressl. "Twice we danced on it." Those dances on the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge led Ressl to brainstorm about what else could be done for dance. "Outdoor dance is a way of reaching people, so I walked around the Lakewalk and thought, we could do something here."
After an ambitious beginning that saw a variety of dances in several different location with live music moving from one area to another, the event now focuses on the Rose Garden. The unique environment is often used by choreographers and incorporated into the pieces. The gazebo, brick walkway, and general configuration of hedges and gardens are used to present dances.
Though everyone is welcome to view the dancing, the event is also seen as an opportunity for artists to collaborate and connect. "This is a real meet-and-greet place for choreographers," says Ressl. "This is a place where choreographers meet up every summer... and then they start dancing for each other." Thursday night will be locally focused with area dancers and choreographers, and on Friday and Saturday night artists from the Twin Cities will be invited to participate.
More information about the Dances on the Lakewalk event can be found online.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
