Mandala is site-specific movement installation for Midland Beach, Staten Island to be performed on the sand and viewed from above. Dancers will create, morph, and deconstruct their own human painting for the sand – exploring the kaleidoscopic effect of movement of individual elements within a whole. The human mandala morphs from two into three dimensions and scatters, as grains of sand in a Tibetan mandala would be blown away after being meticulously arranged. The work, inspired by intricate patterns of Tibetan and Native American mandalas, Celtic designs, and natural imagery, explores ideas of individual expression within a unified group and the transient but powerful nature of human interactions. 

            Performers: Ariane Bernier, Loganne Bond, Abbey Hurlbert, Suiso Maho Ogawa, Ashley Peters, Eija Ranta, Rosita Roldan, & Melissa West.

            Laura Neese (choreographer) is a Staten Island based contemporary dance artist and educator whose choreography and performance have been presented throughout NYC and nationally. www.lauraneese.com

SummerFest  is a series of FREE music, comedy, animation, and performance art interventions by Staten Island artists, presented by Staten Island Arts.  Summerfest Excellence in the Arts Awards are made possible through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.