Dance Fragments in The Poughkeepsie Cistern

Site-Specific Performance / Activation. 2024

Collaborating with MASS Design Group’s Fringe Cities Design Lab, we transformed a buried, decommissioned water cistern in a neglected historic park in Poughkeepsie into a performance space. Our investigation into its ‘theatrical potential’ for dance in this unique structure began with the observation that its primary architectural feature—hypostyle columns that obstruct ‘optimal’ sightlines—produces a dance floor that is always only partially visible - a fragmented stage.

As a response, we conceived of a series of simple geometric dance formations that move in and out of sight lines. The choreography gradually revealed itself through glimpses, partial views, and movement inferred through lighting, sounds, shadows and reflections.

This project demonstrated the catalytic potential of performance in urban design, helping to generate momentum for the space’s adaptive reuse as a community venue.

Produced in collaboration with MASS Design Group (Fringe Cities Design Lab), the Studio of Samuel Stubblefield and Domenic and Miles Salerni (Music Team).

Published in Architectural Record (February 2025).