Story and photos by Nevó Mathis-Masury
SAN DIEGO — The annual Trolley Dances captivated audiences on Saturday, Sept. 28, as a vibrant blend of dance and community spirit unfolded along the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line.
The tour began at Old Town, made stops at Gaslamp Quarter, the Convention Center, and Seaport Village and featured a diverse lineup of choreographers, including Monica Bill Barnes, BKSOUL/Grace Shinhae Jun with the transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project, ConnectArte, Miroslava Wilson, and Jean Isaacs, the founder and retired creative director of San Diego Dance Theatre.
Performers waiting for riders at the Gaslamp Quarter trolley station showcased a group choreography where dancers interacted while preserving individuality through solos. Clad in leisure wear, they made dance accessible to all, even inspiring a child in the audience to join in the fun. The dancers creatively utilized the station’s three pillars, adding an engaging visual dynamic that drew the attention of passing commuters.
At the Convention Center, dancers in overalls conveyed unity, ending their piece with fists raised high—a powerful symbol of solidarity against a backdrop of political rap. After their performance, they invited spectators to join in, passionately echoing, “Join the movement for freedom and liberty for all.”
A short walk away, dancers donned white hats and roses, symbolizing community. Their choreography featured repeated fist raises, reinforcing themes of revolution and togetherness, creating an electric atmosphere among onlookers.
At Seaport Village, the fourth piece, titled “Coming of Age,” poignantly depicted the emotional journey of a family navigating the challenges of growing up, portraying the complexities of parental relationships.
The fifth and final dance at Seaport Village featured eight performers dressed in red, showcasing dual harmony and emotionality amidst the trees, leaving the audience in awe.
Overall, the Trolley Dances brought together individuals of all ethnicities and ages, using dance to convey important messages about community and social issues. The performances reflected relatable elements of everyday life, reminding attendees of shared experiences that unite us all.
As troupe members danced at different locations in the city, they transformed public spaces into vibrant canvases for connection, proving the power of dance to inspire and bring people together.
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Nevó Mathis-Masury is an intern covering dance for San Diego Jewish World