Presented as part of Artosphere, Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival, and the 10x10 Arts Series, Nimbus Dance will bridge the gap between world-class dance performances and community engagement when they take the stage at Walton Arts Center on Friday, May 9 at 8 pm. Tickets are only $10.
Nimbus Dance presents work that challenges, speaks to and elevates the core beliefs of its diverse audience. Founded in 2005 by visionary artistic director Samuel Pott (former soloist with Martha Graham Dance Company), Nimbus stands at the forefront of excellence in the arts, civic engagement and equitable impact.
Arkansas Arts Academy dance students will join the dance company on stage and perform as the community cast for Samuel Pott's piece Spring. The piece is a contemporary retelling of Martha Graham's original work Appalachian Spring, and it uses the same Aaron Copland score.
To prepare for the performances Arkansas Arts Academy dancers under the training of Rebecca Canaan will rehearse with Nimbus Dance members May 5 – 9. The students will perform with the professional dance company for the matinee Classroom Series show and for the public performance, both on Friday, May 9.
Following the Classroom Series performance, members of Nimbus Dance will also provide a talkback for Walton Arts Center’s volunteer luncheon on Friday, May 9 and lead a mini dance workshop for the volunteers.
Before their breathtaking performance, we asked members of the dance company a few questions to better understand their work.
What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?
Audiences can expect an emotionally rich and physically powerful experience, with dance that speaks directly to the human condition. Whether it’s hope, struggle, joy or reflection, Nimbus performances carry deeply resonant stories, supported by captivating music, compelling movement and a company of dancers who love sharing their art with new communities.
From where do you draw inspiration for your art?
Inspiration comes from all corners of life — nature, history, personal experiences, music, film and the people we meet. Some of us draw from faith, some from family and many from the mentors and choreographers who have paved the way. The constant is this – we’re always observing, feeling and absorbing, then translating those emotions into movement.
What drew you to this performance field?
Each of us has a unique origin story, but common threads emerge: the magic of moving to music, the thrill of communicating without words, the blend of athleticism and artistry. For some, it started by watching a sibling dance or trying to overcome shyness. For others, it was the irresistible pull of rhythm and story. What keeps us here is the community we build and the voices we elevate through our work.
Is there a story behind how you chose your name?
For Nimbus' first performance in 2005, when we were just a pick-up group of dancers, we urgently needed to come up with a name. We thought about the ways that art can function like a cloud, altering an environment in an intangible way. So, Nimbus has a double meaning – a rain cloud, which I liked because rain brings fertility to the land, and it refers to a halo or aura which made me think of the magical quality of a performer onstage under theater lights.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups?
Right before the curtain rises, we blast “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan and do ab workouts (yes, planks included). It’s a ritual that grounds us individually and bonds us as a company. Some of us also pray, stretch or do coordination drills, and one dancer never steps on stage without brushing their teeth!
Pick 5 words that best describe your work:
Human. Raw. Hopeful. Narrative-driven. Expressive.
What is the best advice that you have been given?
“Keep it simple.”
“You have nothing to prove, but everything to share.”
“Find a good support system and use it.”
What is your favorite part of the show to perform?
Favorites include Spring, with its lush orchestral score and strong storytelling and the trio from The New Tide, where three women whirl through a fast-paced, elegant section inspired by a Gordon Parks photograph. Whether it’s an intimate duet or a sweeping ensemble piece, each moment brings its own thrill.
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling to perform?
We’ve performed everywhere from Vermont to Tanglewood to Arkansas, and each tour brings unforgettable moments like dressing up for Halloween as Dalmatians with our director as Cruella de Vil, or dancing alongside a full symphony orchestra just a few feet away. The most memorable part? Connecting with other artists and communities and sometimes even scientists or musicians who find inspiration in our work.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?
Our tastes are as eclectic as our choreography, from Lady Gaga to Jason Mraz, from gospel to indie rock. Some of us are spinning Jeff Buckley, Hippo Campus, Jessie Ware and even teaching choreography to the sounds of Theo Katzman and Jim Croce. Music is both our fuel and our foundation.
Tickets to this amazing dance performance and can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.
