Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Unlikely Partners BalletX And Natural Lands Make Nature Center Stage

What does it look like when the region's oldest and largest land conservation organization and Philadelphia’s Premier Contemporary Ballet Company collaborate?

This summer, it looked like dancer Ashley Simpson posed in front of a curtain of wildflowers, stretching upward before bursting into a fluid dance in the summer sunshine.

Protected by social distance and the ventilation of breezes, dancers performed for a small camera crew, towering trees, and wildflowers in one of the many outdoor spaces stewarded by Natural Lands

While many arts organizations have canceled their 2020 seasons, BalletX found a creative way to make the world its stage by filming its 15th Anniversary Season at various regional locations including two Natural Lands properties: Idlewild Farm Preserve and Stoneleigh: a natural garden.

Caili Quan’s directorial debut, “Love letter” features iconic locations from around the Philadelphia region, from the Atlantic beaches of New Jersey to South Philly’s rooftop views to the curated native gardens and structures of Natural Lands’ Stoneleigh in Villanova.

At Stoneleigh, dancers used the backdrop of high meadow blooms and the historical pergola as the living set pieces for the dramatic movement and intense moments of stillness in the beauty of nature.

A tribute to Guam, where Quan grew up, the ballet explores themes of longing for far away people and places with cinematographers Elliot deBruyn and Nathaniel Brown.

Idlewild Farm Preserve served as an idyllic backdrop to Penny Saunders' "Ricochet," filmed and directed by Quinn Wharton. The ballet explores the archetype of the American Cowboy and Westerns using Idlewild’s meadow pathways and historical structures to frame its story.

This season builds a bridge between the virtual and the physical; audiences can watch the BalletX performances online and then visit the film locations in person to explore these beautiful, inspiring outdoor spaces.

“BalletX has taken a big leap into a whole new arena producing beautiful dance films for our new virtual platform BalletX Beyond. We dove in and shifted our focus to continue bringing world premiere works to our incredible audience virtually. This is the beginning of a wonderful journey, and we can’t wait to share it with our friends, old and new, around the world,” says Christine Cox, BalletX artistic and executive director.

“We are always seeking innovative ways to introduce new audiences to Natural Lands’ regional network of nature preserves and to Stoneleigh, our public garden, all of which are open to the public, free of charge. We are thrilled that these beautiful, preserved landscapes are featured alongside BalletX’s company of talented dancers—we hope that this virtual experience in the outdoors will be an inspiration to connect with nature in new ways,” says Kelly Herrenkohl, vice president of communications & engagement.

The new virtual subscription series BalletX Beyond. Stoneleigh: a natural garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. free of charge.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural Lands website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on FacebookClick Here to support their activities.

Natural Lands has preserved more than 125,000 acres, including 43 nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres.

NewsClips:

Frank Kummer: Visits To PA’s State Parks Increased By 7 Million, Here Are Top Spots

Op-Ed: PA Lawmakers Must Increase Budgets For Trails As More People Head Outdoors Amid Pandemic

Related Articles:

-- DCNR Invests $637,700 In 93 Acres Of Streamside Buffers In PA's Part Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed

-- The Tree As A Microcosm Of An Entire Watershed

-- PEDF: Court Decision Approves Diverting $61.2 Million In Drilling Revenue From State Forest Land To Pay DCNR Operating Costs, Ignoring PA Supreme Court Decision

-- PA Organization For Watershed & Rivers: 2021 PA River Of The Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

-- DCNR’s 5th Fall Foliage Report Shows Fall Colors Moving South Across PA

-- Oct. 23 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

-- Heritage Conservancy Sets Pioneering Example Of Partnership And Preservation With Manoff Market Gardens, Bucks County

-- PA Wilds Makers Market Oct. 24-25 Features Online Shopping, Live Demos, Tours, More

-- Manada Conservancy Hosts Nov. 10 Virtual Program By DCNR Wildlife Biologist On The Allegheny Woodrat

-- Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run Continues To Grow In Cameron County

-- Conserving Fallingwater’s Outdoor Art Online Program Oct. 27

-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Fall Highlands Journal Now Available

[Posted: October 23, 2020]


10/26/2020

Go To Preceding Article     Go To Next Article

Return to This PA Environment Digest's Main Page