Belonging II Universe

Fall 2023 • 5000 Plaza on the Lake

Belonging II Universe uses both aerial and ground dancers to explore connection in our relationships, the natural world and the global community. The vision of this site work is an offering; a homage to all beings, and our planet and is inspired by awe. To live in awe is to bear witness to the awareness of what breathes in a moment. This performance took place on a beautiful building surrounded by water and open fields.

Photography by Earl McGehee

PRESS: Tribeza • Fox7Austin • CBS Austin • KUT 90.5

DATES: September 20–24 & September 28–October 1, 2023

LOCATION: 5000 Plaza on the Lake, Austin, Texas 78746

Belonging 2022

Fall 2022 • Seaholm District Plaza

Belonging is an original sitework performance by Blue Lapis Light that highlights the beauty of our earth and our relationship to one another. The performance features aerial dancers on the Seaholm architecture with aerialists swinging from the stacks, ground dancers, and projection-mapped imagery focused on the sustainability of our environment.

Photography by Earl McGehee

PRESS: Austin American Statesman • Austin Woman • CBS Austin • KMFA 89.5 • KUT.ORG • KVUE • Fox7Austin • The Austin Chronicle

DATES: September 14-18 & 21-24, 2022

LOCATION: Seaholm District Plaza, 211 Walter Seaholm Drive, Austin, Texas 78701

EDGE OF GRACE

FALL 2021 • BLUE LAPIS LIGHT’s PROPERTY

Our performance, Edge of Grace, will take place outside on our 3- acre property in south Austin and features dancers interacting on multi-level scaffolding structure.

Edge of Grace is about exploring spaces between edges, seeking a way to move in and around challenging surfaces. Similarly to life, when unexpected and unfamiliar events occur, we find ways to navigate through them seeking spiritual guidance and support.

 – Sally Jacques, Artistic Director

PRESS: The Austin Chronicle | Tribeza | Fox 7 Austin

DATES: October 13–17 & 21–23, 2021

LOCATION: 10331 Old Manchaca Rd Austin, TX 78748

BEYOND THE CLOUDS 2020

FALL 2020 • BLUE LAPIS LIGHT’s PROPERTY

Beyond the Clouds 2020 is a site dance performance that takes place on Blue Lapis Light’s 3- acre property and features twelve performers, including two aerialists on standing rigs and ten dancers on 5X4X4 stands.

The work is a poignant reflection on our individual and collective energies during these challenging times. Days often become passageways into despair and isolation, but this is also a powerful time for growth and change, a time to recognize our humanity to one another as well as our responsibility to our beautiful earth. All is visible, as when a dam breaks and the waters rush through, flowing and moving, unleashing with great momentum and freedom. Our choice is what we do with it.

 Beyond the Clouds 2020 is inspired by the many who have dedicated themselves to peace and to uplifting others, those who have the courage to walk with truth, even when the risks are great. Dance connects us and provides ways to reveal complexities of life’s emotions and our reactions to world events.

 It is through the arts that the world accesses its collective memory of what has been lost, buried and forgotten. Art offers an emotional vision of a world transformed and is a gift of solace and beauty in the midst of harsh and brutal conditions. Beyond the Clouds 2020 reflects this inspiration and provides a visual and aural experience that reveals the commonality in our humanity.

 – Sally Jacques, Artistic Director

PRESS: The Austin Chronicle | Top 10 Works

DATES: October 22–25, 2020

LOCATION: 10331 Old Manchaca Rd Austin, TX 78748

IN LIGHT

FALL 2019 • ibc bank

There is a flow in the universe, to the events and situations that unfold in our world and in our lives. In Light is a journey into the heart, to an awakening of the Light/Soul within each of us.  However chaotic the outer world seems, there equally exists the dance of stillness and beauty.

Inspired by the Rumi quote:  "I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being,”  In Light features aerialists performing off the side of IBC Bank, dancers on Chinese poles, as well as an ensemble of dancers.

PRESS: IBC Bank | The Austin Chronicle | CBS Austin | KUT 90.5

DATES: September 19–22, 2019 & September 26–29, 2019

LOCATION: IBC Bank • 500 W 5th Street Austin, Texas 78701

Belonging, Part OnE

Fall 2017 & 2018 • Seaholm District Plaza

SUMMARY:

Belonging, Part One is an original sitework performance by Blue Lapis Light that highlights the beauty of our earth and our relationship to one another. The performance features aerial dancers on the Seaholm architecture with aerialists swinging from the stacks, ground dancers, and projection-mapped imagery focused on the sustainability of our environment.

ABOUT BELONGING, PART ONE:

Our earth is place of great wonder and beauty. Every animal, insect, tree, plant, mountain, desert, ocean, bird and human being belongs here. We are part of a great mystery, interconnected like the root system of trees, feeding and nurturing the other trees even as they themselves die off.

It has been said that when a butterfly flaps its wings, it is heard all the way around the world. Every act of kindness and compassion lifts the heartbeat of all of us. Every act of war and violence hurts us all.

This is the time for us as citizens of this planet to join together and to create the world we want, where we all belong, where we respect and honor our earth and one another.

Belonging, Part One explores our interdependence and relationship with the natural world by highlighting what happens to people when their lives are suddenly changed by climate conditions or acts of war.

Photography by Mark Nathan & Earl McGehee

PRESS: KLRU | Art in Context  •  CBS Austin •  Fox 7 • The Austin Chronicle

DATES: September 20-24 & 28–October 1, 2017 • September 19-23 & 26-30, 2018

LOCATION: Seaholm District Plaza, 211 Walter Seaholm Drive, Austin, Texas 78701

Radiance

Summer 2016 • the Long Center

SUMMARY:

The staging of this transcendent work included performing on the Long Center’s terrace, ring and columns, as well as the making of two “celestial harps.” These “harps” were created by connecting the columns with multi-level steel cables, allowing  dancers to move across and ‘play’ notes as the mic’ed cables capture the sounds of their feet. These 20 x 30 foot “harps” will be located at both ends of the terrace.

ABOUT RADIANCE:

There is a presence,  an energy that vibrates through all of life, a field of Light connecting us to stars, planets, this earth, animals,  and to one another. BLL’s Artistic Director, Sally Jacques, recounts one experience of this Light:

“When I was a teenager I hitchhiked throughout Europe.  One night I was dropped off in a village in France in the mountains. It was late so I wandered around until I found a field laid down and went to sleep.  When I awoke I was lying next to a field of wild red poppies, which was next to a field of strawberries and green peas. The early morning sun was radiating rainbow colored sheaths of light over the fields and village.  It was breathtaking.  Radiance is about this Light, this Light that is within each of us.”

Edge of Grace

Fall 2015

SUMMARY:

BLL staged a large-scale aerial performance on their South Austin property in conjunction with their 10 year anniversary and the Grand Opening of our their Studio. Edge of Grace featured multiple dancers on a 48 foot wide x  25 foot high scaffold with a custom designed wall and rope structure.

IN LIGHT

FALL 2014 • ibc bank

Tonight you will hear the voice of my dear friend Tina Marsh who departed this earth five years ago. I still feel her presence and laughter, thought until this show I could not listen to her voice. She was a jazz zinger but had the gift to sing arias, contemporary songs and Indian ragas. As the Founder and Artistic Director of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra in Austin, she provided a forum for jazz musicians to compose new works and perform live.

There is always a deepening of Angelic energy when a soul we love departs the earth. I am amazed at how empty, full and vast the play of silence and tears can be. The memories, wonder at our mortality, sadness and joy flow into the Eternal.

My life has taught me that there is a flow to the universe- the events and situations that unfold in our lives. We are all part of a Divine journey, here to breathe in the beauty and inspiration that is in every moment while simultaneously experiencing the shadows and emotions that are our human path.

Our dancers are living prayers for the planet, offers of compassion, peace and beauty in the world. We are here on this earth for a brief moment in the vastness of space and time and are called to live in spirit, breathe in love and breathe out beauty. Sharing these prayers is a passion that pounds my heart. My Gratitude to all of you for joining us here tonight.

– Sally Jacques, Artistic Director

DATES: September 23–28, 2014

LOCATION: IBC Bank • 500 W 5th Street Austin, Texas 78701

HEAVEN-EARTH-ONE

2013 • The long center

SUMMARY:

Heaven~Earth~One featured dancers on the Long Center’s outdoor terrace, ring and columns as well as on aerial silks and in harnesses. A zip line was installed to go across the audience, connecting the building and the ring.  

ABOUT HEAVEN-EARTH-ONE:

Our experiences connect us to one another and to the universal energies. Each moment, thought and action holds in it the possibility to embrace peace, act compassionately towards one another and treasure this planet and all species. This was the inspiration for HEO.

DEVOTION

fall 2011

Devotion was created in 2011 in honor of our waters and performed on Town Lake on the side of the Intake Seaholm Building, close to the water's edge. 4 dancers on trapezes bungee danced over the water, while 5 aerial dancers suspended in harnesses danced on the side wall of the building as well as performed duets on the rooftop. The audience could view from rental boats, kayaks or on the other side of the lake. 

One

fall 2010

Blue Lapis performed on the City Terrace of the Long Center.  With the Austin skyline as the backdrop, dancers appeared upon the ring of a grand colonnade.  A powerful soloist dances the story of finding unity within oneself and the world.  A host of heavenly performers guide the one dancer to her place among the most high.  With ropes, harnesses, and aerial silks, dancers cover a wide expanse, dancing above, upon, and in between the columns of the City Terrace.

September 27-October 3, 2010 •  Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Riverside Drive

Impermanence

Summer 2009 • Homer Thornberry & J.J. Pickle Federal BuildingS

For this site-specific dance the audience faced the J.J. Pickle building.  40ft aerial cloths hung in mid-air as 5 aerialists ascended above the plaza.  The cloths blew in the night wind as dancers partnered in the air, holding each other above the concrete.  A dancer descends from a zipline, walking through the towers of cloth into the building, later to dance down the building back to her zipline for her final journey to the other side of the plaza.  Rappellers descend, jumping down the wall face as dancers float along to building face. Inspired by our dear friend Tina Marsh,  Impermanence revered our eternal love amidst life’s ever-changing journey.

PRESS: The Austin Chronicle | Home on de Range

DATES: June 18-21 & 24-28, 2009

LOCATION: Homer Thornberry & J.J. Pickle Federal Buildings, 300 East 8th St

RequiEm

summer & fall 2006

The iconic Intel Shell had become known as an “eye-sore” and a “doomed structure”, a blemish on downtown Austin, firm as a reminder of things hoped for and never fulfilled.  This structure, something like a five story parking garage, became the first of many large-scale public stages on which Blue Lapis performs.   Requiem featured dancers floating 75ft from the ground, dancing in and out of concrete columns.  Dancers performed on 50ft aerial cloths as they blew in the night wind.  The piece reached many people, touching many viewers with its message of transcendence through transformation.

June 7-10, 15-18, 22-25, 2006 • October 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 & November 2-5, 2006 • Intel Shell, 400 West San Antonio Street

Where Nothing Falls II

summer 2004

An evening length site-specific dance presented in a large warehouse that is now Austin’s Domain shopping center.  Where Nothing Falls II featured a cast of 20 performers who danced with rollerskates, skateboards, harnesses, nets, and bungees.  It portrayed a struggling humanity, comforted by the angels who glide and fly with them through their journey.

June 16-20 & 24-27, 2004 • The Domain, 11400 Burnet Road

REFLECTION

SPRING 2019 • CHARLOTTE, North Carolina

In a 30 minute piece created just for Charlotte SHOUT!, “Reflection” is about our humanity, our connection to one another, to this earth and to the wisdom of experiences. Witness celestial aerialists transform a buttoned-up municipal environment into an inspired work of art as they fly across the face of the building, offering a sense of wonder, courage and possibility. Each breathtaking movement sequence of “Reflection” creates images of transcendent beauty while highlighting the human journey.

May 10-11, 2019 • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 

P R E S S
Charlotte SHOUT!

Immerse & Emerge

SPRING 2015 • Salado arts experience

You’re invited to join us at the Immerse and Emerge weekend- The Salado Arts Experience, Friday April 24 at 9pm. BLL’s performance will be held on the grounds of the Inn On the Creek, in creek side grove with 100 year old trees, aerial silks and poles.  Make a weekend of it and enjoy the charming Village of Salado’s full schedule of events, including live stone carving and culinary tastings!

Limitless

Fall 2010 • Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Commissioned for the museum’s aviation exhibit, Limitless portrayed the journey to infinity and beyond!  Four dancers appeared atop the museum, beginning their great mission into the unknown.  Their quest sends them floating along the museum, performing petit allegro along its curved façade.  As the make their way down they float and flip more and more, finally making contact in mid air.  When they finally connect, they are ready for their next mission, and their captain rockets back up the building to lead the way.

October 30, November 4 & 5, 2010 • Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Avenue

Crazy Diamonds Aerial Showcase

SPRING 2024 • STUDENT showcase

A Pink Floyd extravaganza featuring aerialists from the Blue Lapis Light Studio!

Our annual studio showcase has moved to the Victory Hall Gym at Marbridge where dancers will perform with silks, harnesses, ropes, basketballs, and more! Our score is a collection of Pink Floyd songs, spanning multiple albums and decades.

Don't miss the experience as our performers bring varied styles and maximum flair to create this high-flying aerial homage to Pink Floyd!

March 1-2, 2024 • Marbridge Gymnasium, 2310 Bliss Spillar Rd. Manchaca, TX 78652

Life and Breath

Jan 2023 • STUDENT showcase

Blue Lapis Light’s Student Showcase features aerial dance works created for and by students.

January 6-7. 2024 • Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina Street

PHOTO GALLERY

Pandemic Dances

SPRING 2022 • STUDENT showcase

 
Blue Lapis Light’s Student Showcase features aerial dance works created for and by students.

March 25 & 26, 2022 • Boyd Vance Theater • 1165 Angelina Street

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 STUDENT SHOWCASE

Fall 2019 • STUDENT showcase

 
Blue Lapis Light’s Student Showcase features aerial dance works created for and by students.

Saturday, November 16-17, 2022 • Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina Street

MIGHTY UNIVERSE

Fall 2018 • STUDENT showcase

 
Blue Lapis Light’s Student Showcase features aerial dance works created for and by students.

November 16-18, 2018 • Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina Street

Refuge

FALL 2016 • Student Showcase

Blue Lapis Light’s Student Showcase features aerial dance works created for and by students. Over an 8 week period our students have contributed their strength, grace, and artistry in lending to the creation of Refuge. During this time students not only learn new skills and techniques of aerial dance, but they learn how to commit to performing and how to share their artistic voice. While watching this show you will more than likely experience the feelings of: excitement, awe, thrill, passion, bliss, hope, and so much more!

November 17–19, 2016 • Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina Street

Within & Beyond

FALL 2016 • Student Showcase

Blue Lapis Light’s Student Showcase features aerial dance works created for and by students, culminating in our fourth annual Student Showcase, Within and Beyond in the Boyd Vance Theater at the Carver Museum.

Our students and staff continually collaborate, creating dances that reflect the mood and skills of on-going aerial classes at Blue Lapis Light.  The student showcase gives voice to a variety of expression as up to 14 aerial dances are included in this show.  Students learn about the preparation of performing and the commitment of sharing their artistic voices.  We watching this show prepare to experience joy, excitement, nervousness, thrill, passion, bliss, hope, and so much more!

2016 • Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina Street

Heartbeats

Spring 2018 • YOUTH TAKING FLIGHT

Youth Taking Flight is a collaborative performance class with teenagers at the Austin Children's Shelter.  Heartbeats is inspired by video games-- moving forward in a world with unexpected twists and turns.  Aerial silks creates a fantasy world where characters weave in and out, roll, jump and fly through the air as characters are propelled through an adventure of love and self-discovery. 

May 31, 2018 • Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina Stree

Now & Then: A Spiritual Journey

FALL 2016 • AISD Performing Arts Center

Youth Taking Flight is a collaborative dance program for teens from local social service organizations.  Blue Lapis Light and students from Austin Children’s Shelter meet twice a week during a semester to an create original dance performance with music, movement, and aerial dance.

We are so excited to welcome special guests Ballet Afrique Youth Dance Ensemble who will be joining us for this performance.  Ballet Afrique is a contemporary dance company that employs a synthesis of ballet, modern, and African traditional movement to articulate the human condition and spirit through the unbounded art form of dance. Working against stereotypes and misconceptions of African-American culture, the concept of Ballet Afrique was born in 2008 to offer East Austin youth an opportunity to experience the richness of their own culture through the arts alongside other beautiful cultures represented in Austin.

Please join us for this very special show.  If you go to no other show this year, come to this one and make a memory of a lifetime for some very special children.

YOUTH TAKING FLIGHT TO Neverland

SPRING 2016 • ONE WORLD THEATRE

Blue Lapis Light presents Youth Taking Flight to Neverland, an aerial dance inspired by the story of Peter Pan, a boy who never grows up and flies into endless adventures.  This is a whimsical and heart-warming version of Peter Pan’s tale told by our Youth Taking Flight students.

Youth Taking Flight is an aerial dance program where students collaboratively create original performances using aerial silks and story-telling through dance. This semester we tell the story of Peter Pan’s encounters with mermaids, pirates, parents and much more. We hope you join us at the One World Theatre (7701 Bee Cave Rd) for this special event!

May 4th, 8pm • Free Preview May 3rd, 8pm • One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Cave Rd

REMAKE HOME

YOUTH TAKING FLIGHT • 2014

YTF’s last performance, “Remake Home” was performed on December 3rd & 4th, 2013 at the Boyd Vance Theatre in Austin. You can read Broadwayworld.com’s review of the show here. YTF’s next production will take place in May of 2014.

“Remake Home” was generously funded by The Creative Fund’s Q Rental Subsidy Grant program. The Creative Fund is a funding mechanism that provides much needed support to emerging artists enabling them to further their creative endeavors.

Special thanks to Band Aid School of Music for ensuring YTF rocks with the help of their donated guitar lessons. Also a big thanks to Magnolia Cafe, Central Market and Whole Foods for helping us feed our students healthy snacks and meals during our evening classes, rehearsals and performances.

ELEVATE

FALL 2011 • McCALLUM FINE ARTS ACADEMY

McCallum Fine Arts Academy Youth Taking Flight students perform “Elevate,” September 30th, 2011