Inside an old church-turned-blackbox theater on Atlantic Avenue, there’s an intimate yet polished atmosphere that suits movement-based work particularly well. That’s part of the reason MuCCC (short for Multi-use Community Cultural Center) has become a go-to venue for local dancers. From June 3-7, “dance theater x3” brings three distinct productions to the space: Rochester dance community staples Daystar Dance Company and Commotion Dance Theater will each present evening performances, while Coffee Stain Dance Theatre premieres a children’s dance-theater production during matinees.
Established in 1980, Daystar Dance Company is among the first Native modern dance companies in North America. Founder Rosalie Jones (Pembina Chippewa) is recognized nationally for choreography rooted in Native culture and storytelling traditions. More than 45 years after its founding, the company — made up of Native dancers from many tribal nations — continues to create and perform culturally inspired work.
Jones draws from modern dance, mime and intertribal dance forms in her choreography, often incorporating masks and costumes to signify characters and transformations onstage. Storytelling is central to Daystar’s work, with pieces inspired by oral traditions, mythology and historical events.
“The storyteller shapes the story for the present moment,” Jones said. “I think that’s part of the resilience and intelligence of Native cultures — they continually renew and evolve themselves.”
This summer, Daystar is using dance to tell a different kind of story. Alongside “Dances for Joanne and Mother Earth,” the company plans to present a work-in-progress titled “Testament: MMIWG2S,” referring to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit peoples. The piece aims to raise awareness of the ongoing crisis of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people who have gone missing or been murdered throughout North America. Jones also hopes audiences leave with a greater understanding of the diversity among Native nations, which number more than 500 in the United States alone.
Led by Ruben T. Ornelas and Laurie MacFarlane — artists frequently cited by emerging choreographers as mentors and champions of local dance — Commotion Dance Theater consistently develops and premieres new work at MuCCC. This year, Ornelas will perform live alongside musicians Kevin Wang, Cynthia Qiyue He and Esther Rogers Baker. MacFarlane will present two new works, including one featuring an original sound score by Dan Farkas.
Coffee Stain Dance Theatre takes the series in a more family-focused direction. Directed by Joshua Lang, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” introduces familiar nursery rhyme and storybook characters, including the Itsy Bitsy Spider, the Kittens in Mittens and Jack from “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Eight performers will guide audiences through a whimsical world using Lang’s ballet-based choreography.
“All these characters deserve their own variation,” Lang said, referencing the solo showcases traditionally seen in classical ballets.
Created for children ages four through 12, the production concludes with themed activities and a meet-and-greet, allowing young audience members to interact with their favorite characters.
From experimental contemporary dance and culturally centered work to imaginative theater for Rochester’s youngest audiences, this dance series at MuCCC will showcase the breadth of the unique local dance community. Tickets are $10–$25.
Sydney Burrows is a Rochester-based dancer and writer focused on amplifying the stories of talented artists across the region.
