The 2019 United States Botanic Garden Dance Commission, LEANING TOWARD THE SKY premiered within the lush and abundant living collection of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory. In response to the natural architecture, rhythms, and movement of the plant life, along with the blueprint and cyclical patron pathways of the Conservatory, Orange Grove Dance illuminated and further revealed the richness and wonder of life cycles in plants, people, and mythology through dynamic dancing, an original sound score, and vivid projection design. The audience was encouraged to follow their own curiosities as LEANING TOWARDS THE SKY unfolded throughout the entirety of the Conservatory.
The USBG Conservatory serves as a sanctuary for plant life and provides a vital space for the public to
contemplate their relationship to nature. This relationship is the pivoting axis point for this work. Stepping into the gardens, you can’t help but be transported into a special place within yourself; that place where, if you stand still for a moment and listen, you can hear the heartbeat of the universe aligning with your own.
Premiere
2019, United States Botanic Garden
Direction & Choreography
Colette Krogol & Matt Reeves
Choreography created in collaboration with performers
Lighting Design
Peter Leibold
Original Music Score
Dylan Glatthorn
Projection & Costume Design
Matt Reeves
Stage Manager
Tori Ujczo
Running Time
75 min
Performers
15
Videography & Photography
Mariah Miranda & Jonathan Hsu
Company Performers
London Brison
Abby Farina
Juliana Pongutá Forero
Joe Gipson
Jonathan Hsu
Angad Kalsi
Colette Krogol
Sydney Lemelin
Matt Reeves
Ensemble Performers
Terra Bergamy
Amber Chabus
Adrian Gusky
Atlas Hill
Carolyn Hoehner
Sadie Leigh