Wild Space Dance Company will present a free, immersive dance performance this weekend at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee. The event, part of the company's fourth season of its InSite program, integrates dance with the natural landscape, guiding audiences along the park's trails.
Key Takeaways
- Wild Space Dance Company is hosting a free public performance titled InSite.
- The event takes place at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
- Performances are scheduled for 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and involve walking along forest trails.
- The project features collaborations with Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance and is supported by a grant from the Ruth Foundation for the Arts.
An Immersive Performance in Nature
The InSite program by Wild Space Dance Company is designed to create a unique experience for audiences by removing dance from a traditional stage and placing it within a natural environment. Attendees will not be seated in one location but will instead be guided along the winding trails of Havenwoods State Forest.
As they walk, they will encounter dancers performing pieces choreographed to blend with the surrounding landscape. The performance aims to connect the audience with the rhythms of the natural world, using the forest itself as a backdrop and an integral part of the artistic expression. This format, known as site-specific performance, encourages a different kind of engagement, where the environment influences both the performers and the viewers.
The theme of the event centers on celebrating local ecosystems and the concept of urban wilderness. By hosting the performance in a state forest located within the city, the company highlights the importance and beauty of natural spaces that exist within metropolitan areas.
What is Havenwoods State Forest?
Located at 6141 N. Hopkins Street in Milwaukee, Havenwoods State Forest is a unique 237-acre property managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It is the state's only urban state forest, providing a space for nature education, recreation, and conservation within the city limits. Its landscape includes forests, wetlands, and grasslands, making it a diverse ecosystem for an outdoor performance.
Artistic Collaborations and Choreography
This year's InSite performance is notable for its collaborative elements. Wild Space Dance Company has partnered with Ometochtli Mexican Folk Dance, a group that will bring its own distinct cultural and artistic style to the event. This collaboration is expected to create a rich and diverse performance that merges different dance traditions within the natural setting.
In addition to the partnership with Ometochtli, the program will also feature works by several guest choreographers. This inclusion of multiple artistic voices contributes to a varied and dynamic experience for the audience, with different segments of the performance reflecting unique creative perspectives. The choreographic pieces are specifically developed for the locations within the forest where they will be performed, taking into account the terrain, foliage, and natural light.
The overarching goal is to create a seamless experience where movement and nature are intertwined. Dancers may interact with trees, clearings, and pathways, making the landscape an active participant in the performance rather than a passive background.
Event Logistics and Attendance Information
The performances are scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, with two separate showings at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public, but the nature of the event requires some preparation from attendees.
What to Expect
- Guided Walking: The performance is a walking tour, not a seated show. Participants will follow guides along forest trails to view different dance pieces.
- Comfortable Footwear: Organizers strongly encourage all attendees to wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for unpaved trails.
- Outdoor Setting: The event takes place entirely outdoors. It is advisable to dress for the weather.
- Curiosity Encouraged: The immersive format invites the audience to be active observers, paying attention to both the dance and the surrounding environment.
The location for the event is Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins Street, Milwaukee. Guests should plan to arrive with enough time to park and find the starting point for the guided tour.
Support and Funding
The InSite performance series is made possible through significant community and foundational support. A key contributor to this year's event is the Ruth Foundation for the Arts. Wild Space Dance Company received a Special Project Grant from the foundation, which supports innovative arts experiences throughout Wisconsin.
According to the announcement, Wild Space Dance Company was one of only ten organizations in the state to receive this specific grant, highlighting the unique nature of the InSite project and its contribution to the arts in Wisconsin.
This funding allows the company to offer the performance to the public for free, removing financial barriers and making the arts accessible to a wider community. The grant recognizes the value of site-specific work that engages directly with local environments and communities, fostering a deeper connection between art, nature, and the public.