Whether it’s an ancient rock formation in a hotly debated national monument or a monster hurricane, the three works on Repertory Dance Theatre’s season opener “Sanctuary” have been shaped by the real-life circumstances of the people who created them.
Start with the world premiere of “Dancing The Bears Ears,” inspired by choreographer Zvi Gotheiner and RDT’s desire to experience and understand the environment and bring the sensations of the southern Utah landscape into the performance hall.
New York-based Gotheiner and a handful of his ZviDance company dancers accompanied RDT to Bears Ears National Monument in May to generate movement, aided by Navajo guides Jonah Yellowman, Mary Benally and Ida Yellowman, who shared stories, songs, dances and thoughts.