Women’s transition into middle age, and the sadness and humor that accompanies that passage, will be explored through dance in a performance called “Good for Her Age” at The Merc Playhouse on May 31 and June 1.
“Good for Her Age” is presented by Methow Arts, and features the Seattle-based dance collective called Four on the Floor. The four women dancers will present a variety of solo and ensemble pieces that examine what happens when the body, the instrument of a dancer, can no longer perform as it once did.
The performance investigates sexuality, invisibility, and the quest for creative and societal relevance in a youth-focused culture. Although the show explores the darker aspects of aging, it also uses humor and absurdity to encourage the audience to reflect on their own beliefs about older women.
The dance collective includes former Methow Valley resident Sara Jinks, who said she is excited to be performing in the valley again as part of “Good for Her Age.”
“I’m very proud of this show. The group is composed of highly skilled lifelong artists who have serious chops when it comes to choreography, dancing, song-writing, film-making and performance art,” said Jinks, who lived in the Methow Valley from 2011-2014.
Jinks worked for Methow Arts and was a member of the Methow Dance Collective, and helped produce many dance performances at The Merc while she lived here.
“Methow Arts and The Merc are near and dear to my heart and I am thrilled to reconnecting with them in such a poignant and personal way,” Jinks said.
“Good for Her Age” will appeal to a wide audience, not just older women, she said.
“Our exploration of aging is at times abstract and at other times literal. The performances are vulnerable, thoughtful, intimate, sometimes sad, and sometimes funny. I think there is something for everyone in it, regardless of whether or not you are a middle-aged woman,” Jinks said.
The performance includes audio segments of women’s voices, including several women from the Methow Valley, Jinks said. The women were asked to express their feelings about topics like menopause and body changes, and their voices are incorporated into a “voice collage” that is part of the show.
In addition to Jinks, the dance collective members are Diana Cardiff, Karen Garrett de Luna, and Sarah Paul Ocampo. Local resident Megan Schmidt, a frequent Merc performer, is stage manager for the show.
Tickets are on sale in advance at www.methowarts.org or at the door the night of the show. Cost is $35 for general admission seating and $45 for premium seating. No reserved seating. Premium seating is located in the first three rows of the theater; specific seats cannot be reserved, so come early to claim your desired seat.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. The show includes adult content; age 16 and older is suggested. Beer, wine, cocktails and sodas will be available for purchase.
