Summer Arts Preview: Dance
Solstice Shakes Up the Summer Dance Season
Three days, two stages, and one epic parade: Welcome to Solstice 2014. The annual celebration of all things summer takes place this Friday-Sunday, June 20-22, in and around Alameda Park, and like years past, it’s boasting a worldly and eclectic mix of dance hailing from all corners of the Santa Barbara community. On Friday, the festival’s main stage plays host to a Macedonian folk group, hip-hop from Santa Barbara Dance Arts students, and a “mermaid tribe” called Iridescence. But Solstice goers know that Saturday’s parade is where the real action is. This year’s festival’s theme is “Games,” and Santa Barbara’s dance stars are coming ready to play. Participating groups include longtime parade staples Santa Barbara Samba, Sambahia, La Bohème Dance Company, and Panzumo, as well as newcomers Samba Conmigo. For dance aficionados and casual revelers, it’s easily the most warm, welcoming, carefree arts event of the year. It’s also the only time all year when dancing in the streets is not only encouraged but city sanctioned. At Alameda Park and throughout Downtown Santa Barbara, Friday-Sunday, June 20-22. Visit solsticeparade.com.
More Dance
Emergence, presented by The Dance Network Center Stage Theater, Friday-Saturday, June 20-21.
Peace, Love, Dance, presented by Curtis Studio of Dance Marjorie Luke Theatre, Friday-Saturday, June 20-21.
La Luna Nueva: Summer Flamenco Tour Center Stage Theater, Tuesday, July 8.
Peter Pan, presented by Gustafson Dance Marjorie Luke Theatre, Friday, July 25.
Montecito School of Ballet Fiesta Performance Marjorie Luke Theatre, Wednesday, July 30.
Old Spanish Days Fiesta Various locations, Wednesday, July 30 - Sunday, August 3.
