Dancin' in the Streets

Dancin' in the StreetsSeven Days - July 27, 2005Jason Andrews of Norte Maar says his arts organization wants to "bring ballet back to the masses." They've staged performances in parks and on bridges. On Saturday, dancers in white tutus and pink tights, directed by London-based choreographer Julia Gleich, will perform scenes from the classical 18th century ballet Coppelia, in the most egalitarian of settings – a Wal-Mart parking lot. They tried this tactic for the first time last year. Not surprisingly, Andrews says the free performances attracted attention. Most shoppers stopped to watch, intrigued. He recalls one little girl, who asked her father what the dancers were doing. "He said, 'They're freaking people out, that's what they're trying to do. Now get in the truck.'"