Dancers perform at Dance The Redwoods in Mendocino, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Dance The Redwoods 2024, presented by Mendocino Dance Project, is a walking show featuring vertical dance performed in a private redwood grove. (Susan Nash via Bay City News)

MENDOCINO CO., 9/9/26 — Vertical dance performances by the Mendocino Dance Project this month in Philo’s redwoods aim to create a unique audience experience, coalescing art in a natural setting. 

The nonprofit dance troupe’s mission is to keep the performing arts alive and accessible in rural communities â€” and locating a dance project in the world’s tallest trees is surely a singular effort. The group will put on their annual performances of Dance the Redwoods in a Philo forest on several September dates, including an annual fundraising gala.  

According to the dance company, the performances blend contemporary dance, aerial movement, climbing techniques, music and the natural landscape, in this case at the Brambles in Philo, to create art unique to Mendocino County. Troupe members say that the performance will invite guests on a journey rather than a typical day at the theater.

The fundraising performance and gala is Sept. 26 from 4-8 p.m. and features food by private chef Sophine Randone and Janella Weaver of the Bewildered Pig, with local beer and wines, along with live music by the Blushin’ Roulettes.

Other performances are Sept. 19, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m.

All performances are at the Brambles at 8800 CA-128 in Philo.

Ticket prices range from $17 for youth to $70 for the top-tier ticket or $130 for a spot at the gala fundraiser.

Savana Robinson is a staff writer and photographer based in Ukiah, California.

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