Out On a Limb Dance Company is celebrating 10 years of dance advocacy and education in Waco this coming weekend by doing what it does best – DANCE.

“Stimuli – An evening to indulge your senses” is this Saturday and is a feas
t of the arts, led, of course, by dance. Performances will be punctuated by a three course meal prepared by Corey McEntyre of Milo Biscuit Co. with wine specialist David Mayfield. The soundtrack to the evening will be a diverse array of live and local musicians.

“It’s the first of its kind here in town,” said Out On a Limb founder L. Brooke Schlecte, about Stimuli 2017. “I think it’s a good way to say to the community, ‘Hey, we’re here and we want your audience.’”

You may have seen them before at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market. Maybe you were raising a crepe-heavy fork to your mouth when they broke into dance, often moving their bodies to a live drum beat. Or maybe you’ve seen Out On a Limb Dance Company at a formal event like the Waco Hippodrome’s Grand Opening, with costumes and lighting to enhance their powerful movement.

Chances are you’ve seen Out On a Limb dancers somewhere, leaping and lunging and moving their bodies like a force of nature. Like energy and rhythm are in them, trying to get out and creating dance from that journey.

While Waco often has a full and diverse musical calendar and venues for visual arts have increased, events and opportunities to enjoy dance are few and far between.

“It’s been such a hard town to convince that dance is not a sin, until now,” Schlecte said. Out On a Limb has led the charge to bring more movement to Waco, staying true to its self-defined role as an advocate for dance.

“To get where we are now, it’s taken blood, sweat and tears. It’s been a lonely journey,” Schlecte said. Schlecte doesn’t just want to see more dance in Waco, she wants to change Wacoans’ idea of dance and of who a dancer is. She’d like to see the local dance community be more inclusive.

In addition to its own performances, Out On a Limb Dance Company has been bringing more dance to Waco through the 254 Dance Festival. The festival takes place every year during the Waco Cultural Arts Fest. Schlecte said dancers have been more receptive to coming to Waco since Waco has gained some cache in popular culture.

“I do think there’s momentum. It’s slow but it’s there,” she said.

Buying a ticket to Stimuli would be a great way to support Out On a Limb’s efforts. With something for everyone – dance, food, music, art – the event is sure to please all tastes. May 6, 6 – 9 p.m. at Downtown 301. See the website for tickets.

Photos: Nicole Riggs