Over 100 Local Students Take the Stage in Original Dance Production Forces of Nature
Ukiah, CA —May 2026 — Originally written in 2016 by Laurel Near and Amanda Rosenberg now re-written and directed by Amanda Rosenberg-Gutierrez.
The performances will be held at the SPACE Theater (508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah) on Friday, May 22 at 6:00 PM, Saturday, May 23 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and Sunday, May 24 at 2:00 PM.
More than 100 young performers ages 6 to 17 will take the stage this May in an original full-length dance production titled Forces of Nature, a powerful exploration of how the elements of the natural world mirror human emotion.
Blending street dance, hip hop, modern dance, jazz, spoken word, and live vocals, Forces of Nature moves through wind, rain, roots, fire, pressure, love, release, and renewal — revealing how nature’s cycles reflect our own inner landscapes.
“Nature doesn’t just surround us — it lives within us,” says the show’s director. “Through movement, these students explore themes like community, resilience, passion, belonging, and growth. It’s about understanding that the same forces that shape mountains and oceans also shape who we are.”
The show opens with a spoken word piece and live percussion heartbeat, symbolizing the shared pulse of humanity. Throughout the evening, dancers move through explosive hip hop sequences, lyrical modern works, and emotionally charged ensemble pieces, culminating in a full-cast finale celebrating unity and connection.
At its core, the production carries a timely message: pressure builds, storms pass, and from fire comes renewal. In nature, nothing truly ends — it transforms. The same is true for us.
General admission tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 18, and are available at The Mendocino Book Company (cash or check), Brown Bear Toys (cash or check), online at www.spaceperformingarts.org and the SPACE Box Office. The SPACE Theater is located at 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. For more information, call 462-9370 or visit www.spaceperformingarts.org.