Sweet Relief: Dances for the Washroom

Sweet Relief: Dances for the Washroom

The first in the Kindling Flares series, SWEET RELIEF: DANCES FOR THE WASHROOM features new works created by 6 of Nashville's most beloved dancer/choreographers while in quarantine. With four solos, one duet, and a group number, each dance was created specifically for the most unexpected space: the bathroom. Utilizing sinks, bathtubs, mirrors, toilets, and some very creative camera angling, these dances explore the stir-craziness, isolation, and rollercoaster of emotions caused by being cooped up for months on end.

To support these artists, please consider making a donation to Kindling Arts Festival via our fiscal sponsor, the Arts & Business Council.

We’re in the middle of a pandemic- this isn’t news, but it bears repeating that the way we make art is changing. How do you create new ways to show your artistry without an audience? This is a question a lot of us are asking, but my lovely friend Daniel Jones is finding a new solution. When Daniel presented his idea for Sweet Relief to me, I knew it would be a special project to pour over during quarantine.

Although I’m certainly NOT a dancer, my favorite place to perform is in front of my bathroom mirror! I know I have this in common with so many people, so watching these dancer / choreographers create art in their own spaces brought to life a simple, familiar feeling. As the performers also filmed their pieces themselves, the edits brought a fun, collaborative challenge to me. Each of the performances are super different, but they all relate in a few noticeable ways. Plus, the edit on their group number gave me a chance to perform in my own way, with some poppy accents. It’s such an enjoyable watch, so don’t miss it! Also click over to the Kindling Arts Festival to keep up with news on their upcoming events.

Featuring original dances by Megan Carvajal, David Flores, Hannah McCarthy, Amanda Reichert, Sarah Salim, & Shabaz Ujima