IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre (previously IONA Pear) is dedicated to the creation and performance of innovative dance/theatre works that provide transformational imagery and messages. IONA's mission is to effect a positive change in the community while providing opportunities for artists to evolve. The Company aspires to create high quality work that inspires social, personal and spiritual growth, bridges cultural experiences, and provides a greater understanding of how the arts affect all of our lives.

Description:
Under the direction of founder/choreographer Cheryl Flaharty, IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre has presented over 325 performances, ranging from theatrical productions to site-specific pieces, throughout the Hawaiian Islands since 1990. IONA is renowned for their harmonious and innovative blend of Eastern, Western and indigenous influences melded by luxuriant costumes, witty spoken text, and the power of music and video to create a consummate experience that reaches beyond dance to total theatre.

History:
IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre performances have ranged from theatrical productions to site-specific pieces. Ms. Cheryl Flaharty, IONA's visionary and Artistic Director, is the recipient of six Hawai'i State Dance Council choreographic awards, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' Individual Artists Fellowship, and the Baciu Award for cutting edge work. A brilliant teacher, Ms. Flaharty has taught numerous classes and workshops throughout the state, endearing herself to the general public, and she has served as guest instructor at Mid-Pacific School for the Arts, and the University of Hawai'i. Over the past ten years, IONA has proven to be a leader in the Hawai'i arts community, creating new audiences for dance and inspiring countless performers and creators throughout the state. IONA's success both on the mainland and in the Islands has launched the organization into a new level of effectiveness and mission impact. It is clear that many Hawaiian residents know and love IONA from their 15 years of offering rich and colorful productions.

From the company's adored classic, 'The Mythology of Angels', to their newest tour de force, 'Destiny', IONA masterfully moves the heart through storytelling and symbolism. The re-designed 'Hawaiian Myths & Legends', which premiered in April 2004, was a featured performance in the first annual Hawaii Arts Season. The new production, which incorporated aerial choreography, was met with rave reviews; �Hawaiian Myth's & Legends' was dubbed by the Honolulu Advertiser as "a spectacle and sheer visual stimulation".

IONA has developed audiences for dance through their numerous collaborations including the Hawaii Opera Theatre in 'Macbeth' and 'The Tales of Hoffman', and the University of Hawai'i in Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl's play, 'The Story of Susanna'. In 1995 IONA began attending the Western Arts Alliance annual booking conference, and as a result of the conference, has toured 'The Mythology of Angels' to San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Utah and �Destiny'. The Company is now represented on the mainland by Kamstar Artist Management and as a result of this representation, toured 'Destiny' to the Midwest in April of 2004.

Contact person: Brian Gustaveson, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (808) 262-0060

Address:

P.O. Box 670 Kailua, HI 96734

Web Site: http://www.iona360.com

Directions:

This is a post office box. Exact directions will be provided for different volunteer opportunities depending on the location.

Overall Experience   
lfe experience

i have volunteered for iona contemporary dance theatre for 7 years. i have gained experience wich has opened many doors for me. i am now a paid memeber of the local international association of stage & film technicians. -rey posted by blurey on March 20, 2008

Overall Experience   
learned a lot about "behind the scenes"!

I volunteer for IONA. I started with their ineractive shows and help with costumes and props! It was a great experience- very entertaining. posted on December 10, 2004