Dance is a vital form of art that is often underrepresented in institutions like museums. In dance, our bodies are the paintbrush and the world is our canvas. It is performative, occupying space and elapsing time, and it is a particular challenge to capture motion within one static moment, one gesture to convey the entirety of a performance. Yet, it is a challenge many artists have endeavored for centuries.
We dance to celebrate, to commemorate, to commiserate and to initiate. It can be the play of free expression, or impressive physical achievements rigidly choreographed. Dance can serve a social function that communicates ideas beyond barriers of spoken language, allowing us to say with our bodies what we cannot put into words. Usually dance is paired with music, but it doesn’t have to be.
Dance serves ritualistic and religious functions in historic cultures worldwide. We dance to entreat deities, remember our forebearers and to maintain traditions. We dance to celebrate the changing seasons of our world and the changing seasons of life.
The works in “En Pointe: Expressions of Dance in Art” explore all these forms of dance and more through paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and costumes. Over 60 works from the permanent collection will be on display in the Edith-Marie gallery, spanning centuries of cultures from around the globe.
(pictured) Ernst Oppler (German, 1867-1929), (detail) “Les Sylphides,” 1935, Oil on canvas, 19 x 27 in., Gift of Susan Oppler Wood, Florida Institute of Technology 2021 transfer.
Members Reception
Saturday, July 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
All Appleton members are invited to celebrate the opening of the special exhibition, “En Pointe: Expressions of Dance in Art.” Join us in the courtyard for summertime hors d’oeuvres and refreshing beverages, while enjoying dance hits throughout the decades by DJ Just Joel and pop-up dance performances by local talent. Learn more