IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre

Having lived in Japan for eleven years I was immediately drawn in by IONA's use of butoh in their work. I love the creative and conceptual boundaries they explore as well as the deep underlying themes in each piece. If you have the chance please attend one of their performances. I just saw Paint by Numbers last night and it is fun for the whole family.

Iona never fails to deliver a mind blowing creative explosion. This new paint by numbers was a great contemporary interactive night of fun for all. Its creative, dramatic, colorful performance of fun with paint. Who doesnt love practically naked dancers playing with paint? Standing ovation for the dancers as the choreography was excellent to musical harmony and their expressions intense. Iona creates what I could only imagine is some type of acid trip. Dripping colors on funky characters brought to life by paint. Iona, I always say this at all your performances when I leave...you all belong on broadway.

This review is for the Iona Paint By Numbers Yelp Elite Event.I brought my 13 year old and she was a bit taken aback that the dancers came out in white bikini's and male dancers in white what i'd call vball shorts. I was prepared for anything-she, not so much as she's pretty modest.I would say this was a great event. I love the performing arts so this is up there. 10 dancers came and almost in slow motion, reacted to the live music being performed. They paint each other, themselves and the audience sitting in the 1st row. A plastic sheet is used to cover yourself if you are in that row. You can also purchase a white t-shirt that the dancers will notice u wearing, and "paint" you. This is a very mesmerizing show, starting slow, while the dancers look intensely not only at each other, but the audience. The pace picks up, as so does the painting...and paint splashing. This is a great show if you enjoy dancing and art. A much different experience.

Innovative, breathtaking. IONA has always been pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance that captures your attention in the most unique way that stimulates you visually and emotionally. Never a disappointment, it is a must to see this dance troupe in whatever performance they do, which delights and entertain people of all ages.

I cannot sing enough praises of this dance company. Although they have dropped the pear from their name, they remain the shining star of Hawaiian contemporary dance. A blend of traditional butoh and modern dancing, will keep you rivetted. Amazing, truly inspiring.

Was recently at a wedding where Iona provided an "upside down" tulip dancer. It was the strangest thing we have ever seen! People were completely creeped out by the strange facial make up, mime like dancing and the dancer's complete lack of ability to engage with the crowd. The word "creepy" just kept coming up.