Project Bandaloop opens UAB’s Alys Stephens Center season

Experience Project Bandaloop Sept. 23 as they dance off the sides of UAB’s Alys Stephens Center in a unique performance to kick off the performing arts center’s 15th season.

Experience something never before seen when UAB’s Alys Stephens Center presents aerial artists Project Bandaloop dancing off the exterior walls of the building to open its 15th season.

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Project Bandaloop honors nature, community and the human spirit through dance, according to its mission statement. The company blends dance, sport, ritual and environmental awareness into breathtaking aerial performances, inspired by the possibilities of climbing and rappelling, to craft site-specific dances. The works explore the relationship between movement and gravity and are designed to stimulate viewers’ awareness of their natural and built environments. The experienced dancers, climbers and riggers, under the artistic direction of Amelia Rudolph, have performed for nearly half a million people at major city landmarks and outdoor sites around the world.

The troupe will spend a week in residence at the Alys Stephens Center Sept. 19-23, 2011, culminating Friday, Sept. 23 when Project Bandaloop performs “Outside/In.” The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a free pre-party featuring Blue Galaxy String Project and food and drinks for sale. At 7:30 p.m., Project Bandaloop will begin its performance outdoors, dancing on the brick walls of the building for the audience gathered below; during a brief intermission, the audience will move inside the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall for the remainder of the show. VIP tickets are $75, which includes a seat outside for the first half, reserved A-level seating inside for the second half and a VIP after-party with Project Bandaloop. Performance-only tickets are $45, $25 and $15, with $15 kid-friendly tickets.  Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

The week also will feature a community yoga session with PB members and two free rehearsals open to the public.

asc_bandaloop_7At 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, join Project Bandaloop members for a one-of-a-kind yoga class outside at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South. A $5 donation per person is requested. On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Alys Stephens Center’s ArtPlay will host a dance master class with Project Bandaloop members. Call 205-975-4769.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, enjoy two free opportunities to see Project Bandaloop at the Alys Stephens Center. At noon, a free 20-minute rehearsal will be open to the public. Bring a lunch and get a lunchtime glimpse of the artistry of Project Bandaloop; there also will be food for sale from The Cantina on Wheels. After work from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., unwind with a drink and experience a Project Bandaloop dress rehearsal, beginning at 6 p.m. Participate in a wine tasting highlighting California wines or sample a sumptuous taco from The Cantina on Wheels, which will have food for sale. ASC Junior Patrons will receive VIP Lounge access with complimentary food and drinks.