Dominic Moore-Dunson Premiered Black by Nature
DanceCleveland debuted a new immersive dance-theater piece at Akron’s Cascade Valley Metro Park.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Dance
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DanceCleveland presented the world premiere of Black by Nature, an original dance-theater piece by Dominic Moore-Dunson. The production premiered at Cascade Valley Metro Park during the organization's 70th Anniversary Season.
Why it matters
The work explores the relationship of African Americans to the outdoors and nature through a series of immersive performances. It serves as a creative reflection on environmental accessibility and historical connection to the land.
The production features a cast of four dancers and three musicians performing across nine distinct art moments. The hourlong experience spans the length of the one-mile Prather Trail.
The players
Dominic Moore-Dunson
He is the choreographer and creator of the dance-theater piece Black by Nature.
DanceCleveland
This organization is a presenter of dance performances based in Cleveland that is currently celebrating its 70th Anniversary Season.
Chris Coles
He is a saxophonist and composer who created the original musical score for the production.
The details
Audience members engaged with performers while walking along the Prather Trail, which served as a makeshift stage for the choreography. The piece integrated original music by saxophonist Chris Coles and spoken journal essays, culminating in a solo performance in the Cuyahoga River.
Timeline
The performances took place over two weekends from September 26 to October 4, 2026.
The production opened on September 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This premiere aligns with a broader industry trend of moving dance performance out of traditional proscenium theaters and into immersive, site-specific outdoor environments. It highlights the growing creative shift toward utilizing public landscapes to frame contemporary dance narratives.
Attendees experienced the hourlong performance as a hike, requiring them to walk the trail alongside the dancers. The logistical format necessitated interaction with the performers between specific art moments along the one-mile route.
The takeaway
Black by Nature bridges the gap between contemporary performance and the natural environment by utilizing public trails as a narrative setting. Audience members looking to engage with site-specific art should monitor local park-based programs for similar outdoor, experimental productions.
Further reading
Learn more about local performances on the Dance section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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