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High Art and Soaring Spectacle: BANDALOOP Swings into Norfolk

May 10, 2022

Situated at the northeast corner of Monticello Avenue and Charlotte Street, the Wells Fargo Center will become the stage for one of Norfolk’s most exciting spectacles this year.

BANDALOOP, a dance troupe specializing in vertical performance, will soon grace the glass surface of one of downtown Norfolk’s tallest structures. From May 13th-22nd, you can catch the mesmerizing choreography of these aerial dancers. The dancers, tethered by harnesses and ropes, will scale the side of the building in a showcase of innovative acrobatics. Onlookers are free to gather on Scope Plaza and marvel at the public performance held as part of the annual Virginia Arts Festival. 

BANDALOOP was founded in 1991 by Amelia Rudolph. Her studies in comparative religion, coupled with her background as a choreographer and outdoor climber, inspired her to create a new art form that celebrated dance’s spiritual and athletic elements. She created BANDALOOP to redefine traditional notions of dance and celebrate humanity’s connection to both the natural and built environment. Their performances reflect public discourse and often take inspiration from community conversations around nature and people. Such installments weave in ecology, sustainability, and culture themes while amplifying marginalized voices – particularly those of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. 

True to its arts education mission, BANDALOOP also offers regular classes, camps, and workshops catering to youth (ages 9+) and adults. While California is the primary host of these workshops, for BANDALOOP performers, all the world’s a stage – in a literal sense. They’ve performed on architectural landmarks, urban skyscrapers, and even UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their reach has also gone global, touring and performing across 22 countries and appearing in theaters, on screens, and virtually, at home.  

BANDALOOP will debut in Norfolk as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. For the past 25 years, the Festival has dazzled Hampton Roads with its lineup of free dance, theater, and musical performances. Attracting locals and visitors alike, the Virginia Arts Festival has helped earn the region a place on the map while driving economic growth expected to exceed $25 million in 2022.

Activating and inspiring audiences of all ages, BANDALOOP indeed represents the essence of the Virginia Arts Festival. So sit back, relax, look up – and enjoy the show.

All the dates and details:

Friday, May 13, 6:30pm

Saturday, May 14, 2:00pm & 6:30pm

Sunday, May 15, 2:00pm

Thursday, May 19, 6:30pm

Friday, May 20, 6:30pm

Saturday, May 21, 2:00pm & 7:00pm

Sunday, May 22, 6:00pm

Wells Fargo Center, corner of Monticello Avenue & Charlotte Street, Norfolk

Performance run time: 35-40 minutes

Free, no tickets required

*Performance times are subject to change.

For more information, visit vafest.org/bandaloop. 

Additional links:

Rachel Reiss

Talbot Park, NFK

Rachel Reiss moved to Norfolk in 2021, and, true to her native Floridian roots, has been enjoying life near the beach. Since her day job as an HR Program Manager has gone remote, it offers her the flexibility to explore the area’s rich history, culture, and diverse food scene in her spare time. She is also a passionate pianist, aspiring yogi, and self-proclaimed health nut who loves to cook. Rachel lives near Talbot Park with her husband, Phil - a CHKD resident - and their Maltese, Minnie.

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