ARTS & CULTURE: The Happenings of Happenstance

This weekend marked the end of another successful year of Happenstance, the annual dance performance produced by Kip Watson and Eliza Harwood-Watson at The Johnny Holloway Theatre.

The diverse performances showcased choreography by familiar names in the Orlando area such as Voci Dance (www.vocidance.org), Yow Dance (www.yowdance.org) and Anna DeMers (of Empty Spaces Theatre - www.tctheatre.com ).

Happenstance was created as an outlet for choreographers to experiment and receive feedback from audiences. The choreographers stayed after the performance to discuss each piece with the audience. It was like “show and tell.”

There was no underlying theme within the show, so the choreographers took the Q&A time to explain the meaning behind each piece. However, Eliza Harwood insisted that the audience also take into consideration their own interpretation of each piece. “You will connect more to the piece if it signifies something specific for you,” she told the audience with a smile.

This showcase encourages the audience to experience a wide range of performances in one sitting, but all good things come to an end. Harwood informed the audience that this would be the last Happenstance performance. The producers want to try different routes and experience new things with the dancers. It does not mean that there will not be any more performances; it just means that it’s time for Happenstance to change.