Aerial dance company BANDALOOP presents the free show ‘LOOM:FIELD’ April 15-16 in Oakland.
BANDALOOP artistic director Melecio Estrella performs in “LOOM:FIELD,” a new work the company will perform in Oakland April 15-16.
“My grandmother was interred in an encampment during World War II in the Philippines,” he says. “These were the stories I got from my aunties who would visit her through the fence. In the months leading to her execution she was crocheting. She had a spool of cotton yarn and would crochet these elaborate bedspreads. When she would finish one, she would unravel it and start again because she couldn’t get more yarn.
The pieces added up to “LOOM,” Estrella’s first major work as BANDALOOP’s artistic director. It addresses such themes as the nature of art and textiles and sustainability while turning the Breuner Building into a giant loom. Eventually the team of collaborators included Nigeria native IB Bayo, a costume designer. He is a ninth-generation cloth artisan who learned how to weave and dye from his mother and how to sew from his father, who made traditional clothing for Nigerian royalty. The dancers even attended workshops in the fabric arts to better understand that aspect of their roles in ‘LOOM.’
It’s easy to think that the dancers must feel like they are escaping gravity, but in fact, it’s more a question of working with gravity in a different way.BANDALOOP members rehearse the aerial dance company’s new work “LOOM:FIELD.” “That’s an important piece of my history,” he says. “Joe has been such a mentor for me. The work of BANDALOOP and Joe seem really different, but because I come with his lineage, I bring all that to what you see in ‘LOOM.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How to Watch 'The Kardashians' — New Series Premieres TonightEveryone's favorite reality TV family is back with a brand new show. Here's how to watch.
Read more »
'The Kardashians' Recap: The Biggest Premiere BombshellsThe Kardashians are back, and more than happy to show off their luxurious lifestyle in the premiere of their new Hulu series!
Read more »
New York 2022: Chrysler Airflow concept Shows a New Look | Car News | Auto123Chrysler presents a newly dressed-up version of its Airflow EV concept, this time in Graphite garb. Auto123 has the details.
Read more »
Powerful SJSU Exhibit Uses 1000 Backpacks To Shed Light On Student Mental Health, SuicideA powerful new exhibit at San Jose State University titled, 'Send Silence Packing' has started a meaningful conversation about mental health and the tragedy of student suicide.
Read more »
9 Signs You May Be Too Tuned in to ThreatSome people are so hyper-alert to potential threats in their environment that they have trouble fully enjoying themselves. Here's how to take it down a notch, writes swhitbo
Read more »
Back on board: After violence, New Yorkers return to subwayPhotos show New Yorkers returning to their morning commute a day after violence.
Read more »