Dance and visual illusion combine with humor and nonstop surprises in three remarkable dance stories that create Rainbow Dance Theatre’s “Mystery and Magic” – the Auburn Bravo Series’ first presentation of the new year.
The curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. today at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, located at 700 E. Main St.
Valerie Bergman, Rainbow Dance Theatre co-director, says the show is a bargain for entertainment seekers.
“I like to tell people that for slightly more than a 3D movie at the theater, they can get real 3D without the glasses,” Bergman said.
Formed in Honolulu in 1992, the Rainbow Dance Theatre moved to its present home in Monmouth, Ore., in 1998. In 2000, the troupe began bringing its unique blend of visual art and dance to audiences in the Northwest and beyond.
“We do dance theater, combining strong athletic dancing with a lot of visuals,” Bergman said.
The group relies heavily on the use of costumes, props and set design, elevating the performance – figuratively and literally – from dance, to a complete visual experience.
“The emphasis of this show is on vision and illusion,” Bergman said.
“Mystery and Magic” relies heavily on lighting and special effects to “trick the eye into not just seeing the body in motion,” but providing audiences with a broader visual experience, she added.
It is the third year the Rainbow Dance Theatre has toured with the “Mystery and Magic” show, which included stops in Kentucky and Shanghai last fall.
“We sometimes change a dance or two, but this is the same basic show,” Bergman said. “This is the biggest show we do. We tour with 12 dancers.”
In addition to the regular dancers with the troupe, the stop in Auburn will feature an added treat in circus aerialist Shersten Finley.
“It’s entertaining,” Bergman said of the show’s appeal. “They’re not going to come and feel confused if they’re not a dance fan. I think we have a broader appeal to people who just want to be entertained.”
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On stage
• What:
• When: Friday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E Main St.
• Tickets: $20 regular, $18 students, seniors – reserved seating. Call 253-931-3043, or go online through Brown Paper Tickets at www.auburnwa.gov/arts.
• Information: www.rainbowdancetheatre.com.
