Monica Bill Barnes, best known for her collaboration with radio personality Ira Glass, seems like the kind of choreographer who thrives in big cities.
Her style is unique, quirky and looks nothing like what audiences usually expect from modern dance. She blends classic dance moves with awkward movement — licking her shoulder or trotting ungracefully in a sparkly dress. It's easy to see why she's called the "Tina Fey of dance."
But Barnes is actually a UC San Diego alumni with strong ties to San Diego. Over the years, she's staged shows with Jean Isaacs' San Diego Dance Theater, including creating pieces for Trolley Dances. (She'll also be creating something for this year's Trolley Dances, happening in October.)
Barnes is back in town, together with her longtime collaborator and dance partner, Anna Bass. They're creating a new piece entirely from scratch called "Every Night's A Show Night."
Barnes explains on the show's website: "The show is brand new and anything could happen. Here is what we know about the show so far, Anna and I will be performing in it, we may be wearing headdresses and it will probably end up being funny."
On Midday Edition Tuesday, Barnes discusses how her new show is inspired by San Diego, and how her choreography changes according to her environment.
"Every Night's A Show Night" will be at the White Box Live Arts theater at Liberty Station for one night only on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.
For more information, go to sandiegodancetheater.org.
