RED HOOK — Park benches, bus stops and doorways will transform into outdoor dance halls in Red Hook on Wednesday.
Cora Dance, a studio and dance company based at 201 Richard St., is performing a pair of "pop-up dances" called "Bench" and "Door" in various locations in Red Hook from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and Aug. 29, and from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7.
"They're short works that are fun and bringing dance to common places where people don't normally expect to see dance," said artistic director Shannon Hummel, who choreographed both pieces.
"I like bringing dance to unusual places," she said. "It's hopefully not intrusive, but an exciting little treat for three minutes."
"Bench" is a "cheeky" duet set to bluegrass music starring Sarah Burke and Solomon Goodwin, Hummel described. It starts casually, then builds as "things start happening between the performers and with the environment."
Hummel will provide the music, cueing an iPod hooked to a small, belt-mounted speaker.
"My hope is that nobody realizes they are performers until the music," Hummel said.
Dancer Carolyn Hall will perform "Door," which Hummel describes as a "bittersweet advance toward thresholds we struggle to cross."
Cora Dance offers pay-what-you can classes for children and adults. Registration opens Aug. 27. For the class schedule or list of upcoming events, visit the studio's website.
