It’s the best thing. HeapRide is a roving group ride and dance performance inspired by and utilizing bicycles.
I was invited to a press preview of Heap’s upcoming series of three May performances, and it is very promising. I’m a big fan of bicycles, dance and creative uses of public spaces, so they pretty much have my number.
The performances are May 2 (starts at Tailwind Café), May 9 (starts and ends at Free Range Cycles) and May 17 (starts at Freeway Park). Reserve a free spot in advance. Several performances are already “sold” out, but stay tuned to their social media in case spots open up. People without a reservation or bicycle can attend the start of the May 2 and 17 events to watch the opening section, though the following ride portions are limited by registration due to logistics. You can also support the artists directly through the HeapRide GoFundMe.
Heap founders Kara Beadle and Andy Zacek are among the nine artists performing. They did a smaller bicycle dance piece last year during Walk Don’t Run.
The performances are abstract, with performers taking on the character of bike parts and elements of the biking experience and bike culture. Costumes are adorned with bike parts, such as bits of chain hanging like hair. Disk rotors and cogs become chimes. Dancers’ own bicycles become part of the act in surprising ways. The preview left me eager to see the full thing.
HeapRide cast:
Choreography and Concept: Kara Beadle and Andy Zacek
In collaboration with performers: Alethea Alexander, Leah Crosby, Leo Othón, Logan Tillery, Macsen Baumann, Rose Amlin, and Sam Fabrikant
Sound: Leah Crosby
Costumes: Andy Zacek