Pones in Public springs from the belief that dance can happen anywhere. By inviting communities to experience movement, we create a space to connect, engage, and enjoy the transformative power of dance. During Pones’ inception, our founders wanted to understand people’s perception of dance. They discovered that while some were naturally drawn to the art, others hesitated or hadn’t experienced it firsthand. Many expressed that they perceived dance as expensive or felt disconnected from it. Some simply hadn’t encountered dance events and, even if interested, didn’t know where to find them.
Pones in Public (PiP) is built on the tenet of democratizing the art form and ensuring that dance is for EVERYBODY. We hope to inspire audiences to see dance through a non-Eurocentric lens – dance can be social, ceremonial, communal, and just FUN! – it does not always have to be performative.
We attempt to remove barriers such as time, cost and location by providing performances that are:
- Serendipitous – happening in unexpected places at unexpected times
- Site-specific – reminding audiences that not all dance happens on the proscenium stage
- Free or Low Cost
- Approachable and participatory
As there is no “typical” Pones in Public experience, each program can be customized to best serve your needs.
Site-Specific Dancing
Site-specific dancing can happen anywhere, from public transportation, libraries, grocery stores, and parks to festivals, community centers and cultural events! With Pones, spaces come alive, encouraging connections and blurring boundaries through a shared experience of dance. Past collaborations include: Cincinnati Art Museum, TANK, ArtWorks, IKEA, Contemporary Art Center, The Center for Great Neighborhoods, Taft Museum, BLINK, and Great Parks of Hamilton County.
A Pones Site-Specific Dance Experience:
- Promotes welcoming, belonging, and understanding
- Empowers people to express themselves creatively
- Enlivens public spaces and grassroot, pedestrian places
- Builds community through partnerships, addressing community-identified needs
- Engages everyone, making art and physical activity accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, background, or identity
“As soon as you guys started dancing the whole vibe changed on the streetcar…people were laughing and everyone relaxed. You really made such an impact there!”
– Passenger reaction after riding with Pones on board
Parties and Special Events
Looking for a creative way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or propose to your love in an unforgettable way? Hire Pones dancers to enhance any special moment – ranging from intimate duets lit by headlights to joyful group disco dance parties. Pones dancers come to you for a spontaneous, site-specific dance performance. We bring the party to you in an inspiring, energetic, and unique way that only Pones can!
Customizable Events
Customizable – A Pones in Public experience can be designed around a theme and created to engage all (or specific) ages, interests, and abilities with a variety of genres and styles of dance. Whatever your dream or vision is, we want to help make it a reality! Pones in Public invites you and your organization to step in and start something.
“Kim and I worked very closely together to bring the exhibition to life through performances and photography. I like that she was able to think outside the box.”
– Kaitlyn, Cincinnati Art Museum
Dancer Zoom Pop In
Did you know you can hire Fiona the hippo or a llama to join your Zoom? Well, we have something just as exciting! Hire Pones dancers to pop into your Zoom meeting and bust a move. Any style of dance can be requested. We provide the dancers, music, and we ALWAYS show up in costume. Add a little levity, creativity, and movement to your next virtual meeting or happy hour.
We’re excited to work with you, helping you bring your event to life through dance and community. To book, please contact Kim Popa at kim@pones.org.
Partners
Click here for a complete list of our Pones in Public partners.
Pones Inc. 