Please join us for our second Open Stage Dance Performance of 2026, featuring new danceworks by Ryan Jaffe and Neil Cain. The performance will take place at The Basile Opera Center on May 15th & 16th, 2026.

 

The evening will open with Earth Angel, choreographed by Ryan Jaffe. This piece is dedicated to his younger brother, Matthew, who tragically passed away at the age of 13 in 2021. The title Earth Angel is inspired by one of Matthew's favorite songs, "Earth Angel" by the Penguins. This song has continuously reminded Ryan of Matthew's loving spirit; he has become Ryan’s angel, guiding him while he navigates life on Earth. As five years have gone by, Ryan wanted to reflect on his relationship with his brother. This work explores themes of healing, memory, love, and resilience, reflecting on the emotions Ryan feels today about Matthew and his passing.

 

Following Earth Angel, Open Stage artist, Neil Cain, will be presenting a new performance work, Menhir. Menhir, named for the standing stones of the ancient world often associated with ritual and the sacred, is a ‘dreaming back’ of ancient ritual consciousness in the form of immersive dance theater. Intended as a vessel to transmit, and be nourished by, the vitality of our planet, Menhir explores the embodiment of surrender, mystery, transcendence, and transformation.

 

The doors will open at 7:30pm and the performance will begin at 8:00pm. The Basile Opera Center is located at 4011 N. Pennsylvania Street, 46205. Please park along Pennsylvania Street and enter the building via the double doors that face Pennsylvania. You will see our DANCE & IMAC signs in the windows. 

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Open Stage is made possible by the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation and presented by Indy Movement Arts Collective in collaboration with Indy Convergence and the Indianapolis Opera. ​​