Mellie Test, multi-talented dancer and artist, noticed a performance gap for dancers in the Valley and decided to make a change. Test created a dance series called “Larger Than They Appear” to offer dancers more performance opportunities. Last April, she coordinated with local businesses and used their venues to bring dancers together.
“The whole idea is that we can pack so much impact into a small space and even a short piece with one person dancing,” Test said. “‘Larger Than They Appear’ is saying: ‘We may not look like we have a lot, but there’s a lot we are bringing to the table.’”
This weekend, 13 dancers will perform at Old Town Yoga in Basalt. This is Test’s second event since putting the first one together at Craft Wellness back in April. Because the first dance series went so well, Test hopes to keep this event in motion and coordinate another one during fall. Her goal is to have around three “Larger Than They Appear” performances per year.
“It’s been really great to get the community involved and to give dancers something to work toward and more opportunities to create work and be seen,” Test said.
This event provides performers and audiences a chance to participate in the arts in a unique way. The dancers are self-motivated and choreograph their own work based on the theme. This time, the theme is “ripple effect,” exploring how memories, experiences, actions, etc., can have further-reaching impacts. Each dancer will take this theme and create their dance around it, specifically with the venue size in mind.
“It’s a unique challenge to say, ‘What can I create within these smaller dimensions?’” Test explained.
As a busy mother, Test talked about how important it was to her that this event was accessible to people in the audience as well as for those who dance. She understands performances can be expensive, a barrier that stops people from attending, and she knows that dancers are busy with families and work.
“You are in control of your own rehearsals, your own choreography, your own style, and then we put it all together and it’s got everyone’s authentic expression,” Test emphasized. “You don’t have to fit your style to look like anyone else’s. You just get to be you.”
This event is family-friendly and open to all. Test said that the first performance was enjoyable for everyone and allowed the dancers to be creative with their work in new ways. Some dancers used props like chairs and fans while others focused on the small space and choreographed based on those restrictions.
“For our April show, we had somebody using paint. She was moving with a lot of improv movements with paint on canvas,” Test mentioned, noting how joyful the show turned out.
There are many talented artists of all types throughout this wonderful valley. “Larger Than They Appear” offers participants the chance to see dancers in their element and witness one-of-a-kind pieces. The stages are modest and the audience gets to be up close, resulting in more personal connections between the art, the artists and the community.
“I just want to celebrate the artists in our community and seeing this show is a way to celebrate them and witness them,” Test said.
The performances take place Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, at 7pm. Find tickets for $35 online at app.arketa.co/oldtownyogabasalt