General 2 — Mending Walls RVA

If These Walls Could … DANCE

premiere ‘If These Walls Could Dance,’ a collaborative dance production that beautifully threads the past

and present to a hope-filled future. Following the premiere at The House on March 10, 2023, at 6 p.m.,,

guests are invited to learn more with a question and answer panel session that included key creatives

from RADAR Dance and Brown Ballerinas for Change in Collaboration with Radio B.

The heartfelt story told through movement and scenes was inspired by Hamilton Glass' Mending Walls,

a public art project that advances social justice through collaborative, community-engaged art,

by connecting artists and community members from different backgrounds in conversations

to foster empathy, understanding, and healing.

'If These Walls Could Dance' showcases diversity and inclusivity of Richmond dancers with the hope to

extend Mending Walls' goal to promote healing through public art. Brown Ballerinas for Change and

RADAR Dance set a creative vision and brought it to life through discussion, planning and choreography.

The 7-minute film is set in multiple Richmond locations with specific inspiration drawn from three Mending

Walls’ Murals: ‘Say Their Names,’ ‘It’s Time for Change,’ and ‘The Journey Forward.’

Production was a collaborative effort that included contributions and inspiration from multiple

independent, Richmond artists. The project videographer was Gabriel Garcia. ‘Revolution’ by Richmond

rapper and emcee Radio Blitz set the stage for the dancers and project. "If These Walls Could Dance"

was proposed and funded by Richmond Urban Dance with guidance from Mending Walls. - RADAR Dance

This is exactly how we wanted Mending Walls to continue. Murals and walls were just the beginning and

it’s exciting to see how artists from different mediums are using it to continue the conversation.- Hamilton Glass