Eos

In 2014, Allie Cooper and her ensemble AeraFlux, took Santa Cruz audiences on a dark, industrial journey with her aerial dance show, Aurora. This year she has teamed up with Rose Calucchia, another local aerial/acrobatic teacher and choreographer, as well as musician Logan Gritton to present Eos, the 2nd phase of what Cooper began with Aurora.

While Aurora relied heavily on technology - an electronic sound scape, visual projections, and aggressive lighting, Eos, (the Latin word for "dawn,") is a stripped down, somber reflection in the aftermath of Aurora. Ground-based acrobatics, hand balancing, and contemporary dance ensemble pieces weave a melancholy story as understated aerial performances on rope and trapeze highlight the importance of community, teamwork, and love when faced with the inevitability of change.

The Eos cast consists of 6 performers, notably all adolescent young women from Santa Cruz. Ages 12-15, their youth provides a strong contrast to their strength in the air and presence onstage. A central theme of the show is that of vulnerability as individuals but strength as a group. The message of Eos is one of radical inclusion and the importance of teamwork a message that is especially critical right now as we are navigating a landscape of school bullying and shootings. The fusion of dance, circus, and live music compounds the show's ability to evoke an emotional response from the audience and present something that is truly unique, innovative, and inspiring. Eos holds an important message about embracing our strengths and weakness, falling apart, and coming together again.