Artist Seeks Participants for a Dance and Video Project

As a part of The Church’s hallmark artists residency program, interdisciplinary artist Margaret Garrett will be in residence in February. Garrett’s focus at The Church will be on creating four choreographed ritual dances and artworks relating to the dances. This project requires the participation of everyday people, not necessarily trained dancers.

On her behalf, The Church is seeking community volunteers ages 16 and up who are excited by the notion of becoming a dancer for the day. Over the course of two weekends, February 11 and 12 and February 18 and 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. participants will be welcomed to The Church by the artist and embark on learning choreographed dances inspired by the four elements — earth, water, fire and air. The dances are simple and easy to learn; dance experience is not required but this is a movement-based art project, so participation and focus are vital. Interested individuals are welcome to sign up for any or all of the four sessions offered.

Each session will begin with an introduction from Garrett and a brief warmup. Participants will then learn the movements and the choreography of the piece and rehearse it. By the end of each session the group will be able to run the full dance with music. The dance will be filmed for documentation and Garrett will also be filming individuals doing portions of the dance for a video collage project. There will be one break with refreshments during each session.

The participation in this art project is free but participants are asked to reserve on The Church’s website at thechurchsagharbor.org and honor their commitment, as there are a limited number of slots available for each session. Volunteers are asked to wear one color and to avoid wearing white.

The Church is at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.