Iona Contemporary Dance Theater
Shaun Ellsworth (Me) and Abigail Herrly as "Sun" and "Moon" in Iona Dance Theater's first production of "Worshiping Sun"
Hey, I thought you might find this interesting. When I was in school in Hawaii, I was part of the IONA Contemporary Dance Theater. Then it was called “Iona Pear.”
It was so much fun. The choreographer, Cheryl Flaharty, held classes at a local church. * calasses for $80 or something like that. I had seen a performance, “Mythology of Angels” and was totally addicted. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
When I heard about the classes, I decided to go. I had to take the bus an hour and a half to get there, but it was worth it. I loved the class, even though it was really hard. The dance form is based on Japanese butoh, a meditative “anti-dance,” with Cheryl’s special twist.
After taking the classes, Cheryl asked me to take part in a fund raiser, (I think). then I worked back stage, then I had a little part, then I was asked to be the “Sun” and a dancer in the first “Worshiping Sun” performance.
Well, last night, I was poking around on the internet and found IONA’s web page. There is a picture of me (above) playing “Sun” with the moon, Abigail Herrly in the “Early Years” section.
They are based in Hawaii, but come to the West Coast. If you ever have a chance to see them, you must. You will never look at performance art the same way again. It is unbelievable. Love you IONA Dance Theater!
Check them out at: http://www.iona360.com/
Hi Shaun,
So nice to see this link and read that you are still out there.
Hope all is well. I am doing great, doing some dancing and
now taking care of my little ones.
Aloha,
Summer
Summer,
It is GREAT to hear from you!
Little ones? That is awesome. Pictures?
Can you believe Orson, the “sun baby” is 14???
Thanks for checking out the site. How did you find it?
Please tell everyone “Aloha” for me.
All our love,
Shaun, Christina and the boys
Aloha Shaun,
This was a fablous production. You were remarkable. I would love to see “Worshipping Sun” brought back to Hawaii. . .one of the most memorable performaces I have ever seen and you are in part; responsible for that!
Viewing Worshipping Sun was a big inspiration for my art.
Mahalo from Maui
Wow, what memories. I was stationed in Hawaii and dated Abby for a breif time and saw that performance. It was the first dance performance I had ever been to, and only went cause she made me, lol. But I do remember that although I did not fully understand and grasp the whole thing from start to finish, it was still a very good performance. Very glad I got to see it. Wish I could track down Abby today. Would be wonderful to reconnect with her.