Fuzión Dance Artists conceptualize the art of couture

Fuzión Dance Artists are thrifty. Their first and primary focus has always been contemporary dance — not costumes. They typically pull costume pieces from their own wardrobes or make something out of Goodwill finds. The first time Fuzión Dance Artists made costumes more of a priority is for its upcoming March 13 through March 16  “Dance Couture — Art Meets Dance” production. The group worked with local artists to conceptualize the whole program.

The dancers have always had an interest in promoting their art in collaboration with visual artists. Head to an Art Center Sarasota opening, and you’ll probably see a few of the Fuzión Dance Artists dancing their way through exhibits. They also performed during the IceHouse’s Reimagining Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz exhibit. It makes sense that they’d work with artists to inspire their costuming.

The local Art Center Sarasota artists involved in creating the pieces in the art center’s March 28 Iconcept, a fashion show fundraiser, helped the process. They attended early rehearsals to help bounce around ideas. For instance, tribal dance choreography by Kira Blazek inspired earthy color pallets and tattered material. A piece by Alyson Dolan features choreography inspired by Apple’s Siri about technology and technology’s role in society. The dancers inspired the use of computer wiring as detail on the male dancer’s vests. To further the  theme, every dancer will wear a Bluetooth headpiece. Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott is most excited for the costumes for her piece “Dreamfall.”

“For us, this is huge!” Wilmott says “This is the first time we can say we have costumes with thought through creative investment.”

IF YOU GO 
Dance Couture: Art Meets Dance
When: 7:30 p.m. March 13 through March 16; 2 p.m. Sunday performance
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Cost: Tickets $36
Info: Call 345-5755 or visit fuziondance.org.