CONTACT:
Riley Moody, Communications Assistant
iarm01@monroeccc.edu
Joe Verkennes, Director of Marketing and Communications
(734) 384-4207 (O), (419) 343-3063 (M)
jverkennes@monroeccc.edu
The Monroe County Community College Inside Out Dance Ensemble will present “Access” on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. with a repeat performance Sunday, April 10, at 3 p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater, located on MCCC’s Main Campus at 1555 S. Raisinville Rd. in Monroe. Tickets for “Access” are $12 with limited seating available. Tickets can be purchased at www.monroeccc.edu/events/la-z-boy
“Access” is IODE’s first annual concert since the "Scrapbook" concert commemorating the 10th Anniversary as an organized ensemble was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
“During COVID, the dancers and I would chat on the phone, meet via Zoom or, when allowed, we would meet outdoors for site specific work responding to the environment,” said Kellie Lajiness, director of IODE. “The return to studio space was an extremely long haul. I am thrilled that IODE members have remained close despite the restrictions.”
The title “Access” originated from IODE saying to themselves 'if only we had access to the studio or access to the stage.' According to Lajiness, “Since the word 'access' kept coming up after feeling so prohibited, it seemed fitting to utilize it for our concert title. After researching all possible meanings of the word 'access,' I began brainstorming sessions with the ensemble members regarding music choices and other collaborative ideas such as poetry and working with musicians.”
IODE and Lajiness will unveil many new dance works and reimagined repertoire favorites. Guests include folk guitarist Kevin R. Daniels and Destination Tap Collective. The performance will also include dance interpretations of winning poetry from the MCCC Writing Fellows Poetry Competition, and ten brand new pieces.
The opening of the concert will include feature poem that Lajiness wrote during the pandemic called “The Stage.” The cast will formally "take their places” for the first dance piece during this poem which was read and pre-recorded by Nicole Coburn. “Her husband, Trey, has always been generous in offering his time in recording poems that the company has used in prior performances,” said Lajiness.
“It is extremely important to realize the communicative efforts and reciprocal response between the performer and their audience in live theatrical events. We are just so grateful to be given 'Access' to the stage at the Meyer Theater. once again It is a gift we value beyond words.” Said Lajiness.