Dancing in a yurt

The sound of music and dancers stomping echoed to the rafters of the yurt at Down to Earth Farm on Saturday, Aug. 15.

The performance was a collaboration between Leaura Broekel, the owner of Down to Earth farm, and Steve Vaughn, the founder of SOCO Movement Artists in New Bedford. The nine dancers showcased dances they created, moving in ways that melded with the music. 

“We’re all just like-minded in the ideas of how music and sound can kind of help the body and affect the body,” said Vaughn. 

Maura Nolan from the Dartmouth Cultural Center was attending a sound bath session at the farm when she remembered how Vaughn was having trouble finding a location for his dancers’ performances. She proposed the idea to Broekel, who loved it. 

Vaugn’s number was inspired by the wind, with flowing and easy movements. He described the music as the sound of “...an inhale and an exhale at the same time.”

Before the show, guests enjoyed light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, while Broekel bathed the guests with the sounds of Tibetan singing bowls. 

The performance opened with all the dancers moving together. After, they all performed, either by themselves or in duos. They finished the performance with a choreographed number, where each performer had a solo. The night wasn’t finished there, as the audience was invited to dance with the dancers. 

Down to Earth Farm is an animal sanctuary with over 300 animals, which guests got to meet before the performance. Broekel and her husband built the yurt, and started inviting the public to events like the dance performance and sound baths. 

“We hope to partner for a bunch of things in the future,” said Broekel.