Another dance at sunset at Post-Morrow

The hallowed tree-towering grounds of the Post-Morrow Foundation in Brookhaven Hamlet, with its meandering paths past small ponds, then the trail to the boardwalk past shimmering Beaver Dam Creek, will provide the stunning backdrop for a free dance performance by the groundbreaking Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.

“It’s a site-specific dance performance,” said artist and Good Morning Bellport owner Fabian Bernal. “We went to the Boys and Girls Club and asked that their students take part in a meet-and-greet and have a nice experience with the dancers.”

Last year’s Dance for Sunset, with Rashaun Mitchell and Silas Riener on a beautiful August evening, drew over 300 people to watch graceful professionals perform along a path through the woods, then the boardwalk, and finally on the expansive lawn by the 100-year-old Post-Morrow house.

It was a night of nature and dance appreciation, with lots of hugs and welcoming conversations.

“Our idea is to reach out to families of students to participate in this experience,” Bernal said. “We want to create events that are community driven, particularly for students. There are no tickets involved, you don’t have to make a reservation, you don’t have to go into the city.”

Thirteen dancers will perform at sunset for about 45 minutes.

Several Boys & Girls Club students will be helping out. Make sure to say hello.

Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane formed their company in 1982 after an 11-year collaboration. (Sadly, Zane died in 1988.) According to the New York Arts website, they redefined the duet form and foreshadowed issues of identity, form, and social commentary, changing the face of American dance. The company has performed in over 200 cities in over 40 countries, and is recognized as one of the most innovative and powerful forces in the art world.

“They just came back from Brazil and will be launching a big piece in Times Square,” said Bernal. “As for here, they will interpret the land in their own way.”

Warner Bros. and Bloomingdale’s are the big sponsors, along with support from community members, some of whom will provide housing for the dancers and the production team.

“Last year, all the kids who helped out were paid,” Bernal said.

Sherika Adams, B&GCBA director of programs, will bring about 40 students.

“There are several in the mix who are serious about dance, and the others just like it,” she said.

It isn’t the first time the Post-Morrow Foundation has held different art events here as well as camp programs. Vice president Tom Williams has said they were happy to welcome the dancers.

“Post-Morrow works hard to preserve land, and it’s not easy work,” said Bernal. “Sherika sets the students at the Boys & Girls Club in the right direction creating a safe environment, and I think that this could bring the community together to make it safer and be inclusive. Kids who don’t normally have the opportunity can come here and see something beautiful.”