Performed on an architectural ramp installation with hills, curves and peaks, DESCENT celebrates the pleasure of reckless abandon. Obliterating assumptions of what dance, beauty, and disability can be, this evening-length duet takes audiences on a transformative ride. Andromeda and Venus, reimagined as interracial lovers, claim their desire as wheels fly within inches of the ramp’s edges. Their spines soften to taste the subtle pulls of gravity and arch into the sumptuous light.

Kinetic Light is a project-based collective made up of Alice Sheppard (choreographer, dancer), Laurel Lawson (collaborator, dancer) and Michael Maag (projection and lighting designer).

Kinetic Light creates, performs, and teaches at the intersections of disability, dance, and race. The collective’s rigorous investment in the histories, cultures, and artistic work of disabled people and people of color transforms our understandings of the moving world. Working in the disciplines of art, design, architecture, and social justice, Kinetic Light showcases freedom of movement, revealing how mobility – literal, physical, and conceptual – is fundamental to participation in civic life.

"This is groundbreaking work." Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Founder of Urban Bush Women

"One could argue that, with Sara Hendren's architectural ramp, it is actually a trio - poetic, passionate and, frankly, haaawwwt. Sheppard and Lawson are remarkably precise, electric performers." Eva Yaa Asantewaa, Dance Critic

"Beautiful, intelligently wrought experience for audiences." Carla Peterson, Director of MANCC

Photo Credit: MANCC / Chris Cameron, BRITT Festival / Jay Newman