As part of San Diego International Airport’s Performing Arts Residency Program, renowned San Diego-based dance company Malashock Dance will present newly choreographed works in Terminal 2 West on January 27, 29, and February 3 at 2 p.m. inspired by the diverse stories of nearly three dozen passengers who have traveled through the airport.
These performances are the culmination of the dance company’s three-month residency program entitled You Are Here / Usted Está Aquí which began in September 2024. Beginning in December, the dancers talked with nearly 300 travelers and ultimately collected 30 oral histories from passengers ranging in age from 5 to 60-plus about their San Diego experience. The dancers interpreted these histories into dance, developing their choreography in the airport where travelers and visitors could witness the creative process unfold.
"We are thrilled that Malashock Dance is a part of our Performing Arts Residency Program," said Jon Graves, the Authority’s Director of Customer Experience. "The project perfectly aligns with our mission to enrich the airport experience with thought-provoking and engaging art. This collaboration with Malashock Dance not only showcases the depth of our region’s creative talent but also connects travelers with the shared stories of the communities around them."
“We are excited to explore the intersection of travel, culture, and human connection through dance,” said Christopher K. Morgan, Artistic Director of Malashock Dance. “In our interviews, many people described San Diego as warm, open, and friendly, with the city's beautiful weather often credited for fostering this welcoming atmosphere. By incorporating the stories of airport passengers and San Diego residents, we aim to create a shared, immersive experience that celebrates the diverse voices of this vibrant city and the journeys that bring us together.”
The stories gathered through You Are Here / Usted Está Aquí will serve as the soundtrack for the dance group’s new choreography that celebrates the cultural fabric of San Diego. For photos of Malashock Dance performances at SAN, please click here.
To provide access to the broader community Malashock Dance will perform You Are Here / Usted Está Aquí on February 7 at 6:30 pm at Dorothea Laub Dance Place in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. For more information on You Are Here / Usted Está Aquí, other upcoming performances, and Malashock Dance, please visit: arts.san.org/performing-arts.
About the San Diego International Airport’s Performing Arts Residency Program:
Launched in 2016, the San Diego International Airport’s Performing Arts Residency Program provides a unique platform for the creation of new performance works. Through this initiative, the airport continues to nurture the local performing arts community while offering passengers an unexpected and enriching airport experience.
About the Malashock Dance Company:
An award-winning production company with over 35 years of history, Malashock Dance is renowned for its powerful performances and commitment to community-driven initiatives. In his inaugural season as Artistic Director, Christopher K. Morgan leads the organization in continuing its legacy as a vital force in shaping San Diego's cultural landscape. The company remains dedicated to providing opportunities for both local and international dance artists to collaborate and create innovative works.
About San Diego International Airport (SAN):
Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the current Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1’s project budget is $3.8 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org.
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