Forklift Danceworks

Forklift Danceworks Activating Communities Through Creative Collaboration

✨🎁It's GIVING TUESDAY🎁✨I ❤️ our traditions of giving. I love how this season focuses people’s hearts towards abundance. ...
11/28/2023

✨🎁It's GIVING TUESDAY🎁✨

I ❤️ our traditions of giving. I love how this season focuses people’s hearts towards abundance. And I love how so much is possible because we have each other’s back. 🙏

At our gala celebration earlier this fall, Forklift premiered a short video that summarizes how your gifts translate into spectacular, collaborative art-making. Your generous donations help us share stories that we haven’t heard before, put civic issues in a new light, and make deeper connections in our community.

In the spirit of support and connection, I am delighted to share the video with you here, and to invite you to think of Forklift Danceworks as you make your end of year giving. 🎁

❤️with heartfelt appreciation,
Vanessa Alvarado Flores
Development Manager

P.S. I am particularly excited about our upcoming large scale performance of The Way of Water : Onion Creek in April 2024. It will be one for the books! Will you join me in supporting this project today?

Featuring Francis Rodriguez, Choreographer; Ezequiel Calderon and Dr. Pearl Cox, Forklift Danceworks Board Members; Jorge Morales, Director of Austin’s Watershed…

How sweet it is to be thankful for YOU! We are grateful for you – our fans, followers, donors and community who made thi...
11/21/2023

How sweet it is to be thankful for YOU! We are grateful for you – our fans, followers, donors and community who made this year’s performances of Way of Water: Onion Creek possible. Your contributions helped sow the seeds for our creative work in Austin’s largest watershed. THANK YOU to our collaborators Austin Watershed Onion Creek Park Neighborhoods Alliance Vanessa Burden Jose Ome Navarrete Mazatl of NAKA (Navarrete x Kajiyama Dance Theater) Fluxion Scenic and Light and more. 🥰

Join us this weekend for a free and open talk at The Jones Center at The Contemporary Austin on Nov 12 from 2:15 PM - 3:...
11/09/2023

Join us this weekend for a free and open talk at The Jones Center at The Contemporary Austin on Nov 12 from 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM as part of the ! 📚

Our own Allison Orr will be joined by Paul Slutes, Stephen Truesdell, and Orange Jefferson to share more about the book "Dance Works: Stories of Creative Collaboration" and our performances together!

We are brimming with botanical ebullience because last night we raised $155,000 to support our work! 🌸💜We are so gratefu...
11/03/2023

We are brimming with botanical ebullience because last night we raised $155,000 to support our work! 🌸💜

We are so grateful for our event committee, collaborators, donors, guests, and volunteers for contributing to this fantastic night—helping Forklift raise the most we’ve ever raised in one night in our twenty year history! 💫✨

Our Botanical Bash Begins! 🌸 🪩🕺 Forklift's annual fundraiser The Botany of Desire, is TONIGHT at Zilker Botanical Garden...
11/02/2023

Our Botanical Bash Begins! 🌸 🪩🕺 Forklift's annual fundraiser The Botany of Desire, is TONIGHT at Zilker Botanical Garden. 🌿⛲️

We're putting the finishing touches on the floral arrangements, rehearsing our choreography, and getting ready to have a brilliant time! 🎆
Because of the great sweater that has blown in, we've moved the night's activities up. Weather forecasters anticipate mild temperatures this evening, but pair a jacket with your floral garb and celebrate the real beginning of fall with Forklift!

VIP Pre-party begins at 6:00pm
General Admission at 7pm
Program at 7:30pm

Thank You to our Tulip Sponsor and Gala Chair Patrick Landrum of PL&D! 🌷🌷🌷 Patrick is the green thumb behind our botanic...
11/01/2023

Thank You to our Tulip Sponsor and Gala Chair Patrick Landrum of PL&D! 🌷🌷🌷 Patrick is the green thumb behind our botanical bonanza. To say we couldn't have pulled off the Botany of Desire without Patrick's support is an understatement. We can't wait to celebrate with you this Thursday evening to see all of your hard work come to fruition. 🌱💚

Our Botanical Bash is Almost Here! 🌸🌿⛲️🪩🕺 Forklift Danceworks' annual fundraiser The Botany of Desire is THIS Thursday n...
10/30/2023

Our Botanical Bash is Almost Here! 🌸🌿⛲️🪩🕺 Forklift Danceworks' annual fundraiser The Botany of Desire is THIS Thursday night at Zilker Botanical Garden

The night begins with a VIP Reception at 6:30pm hosted by Matthew Gaston, Zilker Botanical Garden's Director of Education, featuring live music, specialty bites and top-shelf elixirs.

At 7pm, garden gates will open up to more delectable eats, botanical-inspired beverages, and a flowering photo booth by artist Sarah Bork.

The evening will also include a signature Forklift performance, Golden Ticket Raffle, a late-night dance party with beats by DJ Mahealani overlooking the city skyline, and more!

Make sure your get your tickets here! https://hellofund.io/tickets/forklift/tickets

Thank you so much to our amazing Bedrock Sponsors! 🌸🌿⛲️🪩🕺We couldn't throw a bash like the Botany of Desire without y'al...
10/27/2023

Thank you so much to our amazing Bedrock Sponsors! 🌸🌿⛲️🪩🕺

We couldn't throw a bash like the Botany of Desire without y'all!

Take a picture, it’ll last longer 📸 Claim your spot in the limelight with Sara Bork's iconic photo booth.Make sure to gr...
10/25/2023

Take a picture, it’ll last longer 📸 Claim your spot in the limelight with Sara Bork's iconic photo booth.

Make sure to grab a ticket to the Botany of Desire next Thursday night here: https://hellofund.io/tickets/forklift/tickets

Thank you! 💟
10/20/2023

Thank you! 💟

10/13/2023

Did you get some flowers from Forklift in your mailbox? 🌸 ✉️ If you're on our list, you may have seen this gorgeous invitation to the Botany of Desire, our upcoming gala on November 2 at Zilker Botanical Garden. If not, don't fret, because everyone's invited! Guests will enjoy a wholly sensory experience, evoking the brilliance of botanicals and featuring local bites, beverages, a short performance, and in true Forklift fashion, a dance party under the stars! Head to the link in our bio to get your tickets.

Hello from Vanderbilt University in Nashville! 👋🏻 This week Allison Orr is a resident at the The Curb Center at Vanderbi...
10/11/2023

Hello from Vanderbilt University in Nashville! 👋🏻 This week Allison Orr is a resident at the The Curb Center at Vanderbilt working with the next generation of community-based performance practitioners (and checking out the campus trees). 🌳

She'll be speaking to several classes and leading a community dance workshop, and will give a public talk on her book, “DanceWorks: Stories of Creative Collaboration.”

See y'all at Texas Book Festival, one of our favorite cultural happenings in the Lone Star State!  🤠 Allison Orr and For...
10/06/2023

See y'all at Texas Book Festival, one of our favorite cultural happenings in the Lone Star State! 🤠 Allison Orr and Forklift friends and collaborators will be talking about her book and our work together. Stay tuned for the full schedule so you can join us for this free talk!

We had a blast dropping in at the ICMA - International City/County Management Association's annual conference as artists...
10/04/2023

We had a blast dropping in at the ICMA - International City/County Management Association's annual conference as artists to share how the arts can advance civic processes.

Our very own Allison Orr was joined by Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea, Valerie LaCour Francois from the City of Round Rock, and Jorge Morales from the City of Austin.

They discussed how artists in collaboration with local government, artists can facilitate processes that amplify the voices of residents, activate neighborhood assets, and foster a stronger social fabric--building bridges between city staff and communities.

Tickets are finally here!  🌸🌿⛲️🖤 🪩✨ Grab a ticket now to spend an evening with Forklift for our annual fundraiser at  on...
09/28/2023

Tickets are finally here! 🌸🌿⛲️🖤 🪩✨ Grab a ticket now to spend an evening with Forklift for our annual fundraiser at on November 2nd.

Get your tickets here: https://hellofund.io/tickets/forklift/tickets

Guests will enjoy a wholly sensory experience, evoking the brilliance of botanicals and featuring local bites, beverages, a short performance, and in true Forklift fashion, a dance party under the stars!

Two chances next week to hear our very own Allison Orr talk about our work with water and city government! 👷 If you're a...
09/27/2023

Two chances next week to hear our very own Allison Orr talk about our work with water and city government!

👷 If you're attending the ICMA - International City/County Management Association annual conference in Austin, join her talk on October 3 about our collaborations with city departments around civic issues.

🌊 And on October 4 at noon, she'll be speaking about water as muse and collaborator in community-based art practice at a Planet Texas 2050 Roundtable. Register to attend here: https://waterasmuseroundtable.splashthat.com/

We are sorry to share that this weekend’s performance of The Way of Water: Onion Creek is canceled. We have had positive...
09/22/2023

We are sorry to share that this weekend’s performance of The Way of Water: Onion Creek is canceled.

We have had positive COVID tests in our cast, so we have decided to cancel our outdoor event in order to keep our community safe.

We are working towards a larger performance at Onion Creek in April 2024, so stay tuned for updates about chances to see this performance. Take care!

The Way of Water: Onion Creek is this Saturday and we're feeling so thankful for our sponsors who make our work possible...
09/21/2023

The Way of Water: Onion Creek is this Saturday and we're feeling so thankful for our sponsors who make our work possible! H-E-B Cofer & Connelly IBC Bank Austin Parks Foundation CapMetro The Watershed Association

We have a few tickets left for The Way of Water: Onion Creek this Saturday, September 23 at 6:45pm at Onion Creek Park 💜...
09/19/2023

We have a few tickets left for The Way of Water: Onion Creek this Saturday, September 23 at 6:45pm at Onion Creek Park 💜🌾🧅

Grab a free ticket here: https://hellofund.io/tickets/purchase_tickets.php?slug=wow&form_name=ga%C2%A0

💧Continuing our exploration of water in Austin's unique watersheds, collaborating musician Vanessa Burden shares more about her new composition for this performance:

"I am excited to share, "Semillas : En Tres Movimientos" Saturday, which was created for healing and growth. It is experiential in nature, so the audience is encouraged to join our Onion Creek Community Choir in song if they are called to.

This is the first time I have ever conducted my own composition with our Community Choir, made up of Dove Springs neighbors, youth and Austin Watershed Protection workers.

I'm very grateful for the opportunity to hold space for those that may need healing as singing is one of the fastest ways to transmute energy. This whole experience has challenged me and changed me in the best way possible. We hope you can join us for what will be our debut performance!" 🌱

It takes a village to put on a Forklift show! Help us make The Way of Water: Onion Creek, coming up this Saturday, happe...
09/18/2023

It takes a village to put on a Forklift show!

Help us make The Way of Water: Onion Creek, coming up this Saturday, happen by volunteering.

Volunteers will support the Forklift's small but mighty team with set up, parking, distributing surveys, ushering, and more!

Sign up to get to see the show, get a guest ticket, and contribute to this special performance exploring water in the Onion Creek watershed.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44A9AE2BA7FFC43-theway2 #/

Revel in one of Austin's best views as a Forklift VIP  🏙️ Buy a sponsorship for "The Botany of Desire," Forklift's annua...
09/15/2023

Revel in one of Austin's best views as a Forklift VIP 🏙️ Buy a sponsorship for "The Botany of Desire," Forklift's annual fundraiser on November 2nd, to join us for our VIP Reception from 6:30-8pm:

🌸 At Botany of Desire guests will enjoy a wholly sensory experience, evoking the brilliance of botanicals
👨‍🌾 Hosted by Instagram sensation and Zilker Botanical Garden Education Director, Matthew Gaston
🏙️ The VIP bash will overlook the Austin skyline, with one of the city's best views of downtown
🥂The pre-party will feature top-shelf elixirs and specialty bites from some of Austin’s finest eateries
🪩 At 8pm the garden gates will open for dancing and more celebration
Become a Botany of Desire Sponsor

⏰ The clock is ticking down until The Botany of Desire! Sponsorships over $2,500 purchased by the end of the day today will be included on our print invitations mailed out to thousands of Forklift fans! 📬

Grab one here: https://hellofund.io/tickets/forklift/tickets

"I have a deeper appreciation for the Vegetation Management team. They create safer spaces, help prevent flooding and pl...
09/14/2023

"I have a deeper appreciation for the Vegetation Management team. They create safer spaces, help prevent flooding and plant seeds for more plants to grow," said an audience member after seeing "The Way of Water: Onion Creek."

🌎 Through our performances and events, you get to see what’s being done to care for the environment and turn the tide on the effects of climate change in our backyard.

💡Help us put climate solutions in the spotlight through community-based, captivating performances!

Chip in to help us continue this vital work: https://hellofund.io/d/donate.php?slug=wow23

09/11/2023

Last week, two of our choreographers attended “Climate Science: The Good, The Bad, and The Wicked” at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.

The conference “provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange to foster the truly interdisciplinary approach needed to tackle the multi-faceted nature of the Texas climate crisis.”

📳 Ring. Ring. Mother earth is on the line! Answer the call to support earth-saving creativity 🌎  🙋 Support Forklift newe...
09/07/2023

📳 Ring. Ring. Mother earth is on the line! Answer the call to support earth-saving creativity 🌎

🙋 Support Forklift newest collaboration: The Way of Water: Onion Creek, a project exploring our earth's most precious resource: water, in Austin, Texas.

💭 We need your support for earth-saving creativity that encourages the dialogue necessary to find solutions. Your funds will be used to pay our collaborating community members who participate in Forklift events that explore water in Austin.

Help us get to $20,000 by September 30th by donating here! https://hellofund.io/d/donate.php?slug=wow23

09/04/2023

Happy ! We’re honored to collaborate with workers to make dances that celebrate the movement of work at Forklift.

We wish everyone a restful and healthy long weekend!

Forklift was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Travis County Summer Youth Employment Program’s administrative...
08/25/2023

Forklift was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Travis County Summer Youth Employment Program’s administrative team, as a host of summer interns that worked on "The Way of Water: Onion Creek!"

The award letter said “By hosting our participants, you’ve not only offered them a job but also provided mentorship, instilled values, and illuminated potential career paths. The positive ripple effect of your contribution is boundless and long-lasting, creating waves that will continue to benefit our community for years to come.”

Thanks for partnering with us Travis County, Texas - Government ❤️

Making a little magic with wildflower seeds ✨ Save the date for our next event at the creek on September 22nd and 23rd a...
08/23/2023

Making a little magic with wildflower seeds ✨ Save the date for our next event at the creek on September 22nd and 23rd as the Way of Water: Onion Creek continues. Free tickets will be available soon, so stay tuned to reserve yours.

Thanks for supporting Forklift Texans for the Arts!
08/21/2023

Thanks for supporting Forklift Texans for the Arts!

We are stoked to highlight members Fork Lift Dance Works on this Member Muse Monday! Forklift Danceworks activates communities through a collaborative creative process. Forklift Danceworks values equity, collaboration, artistic excellence and connection. The work produced by the company demonstrates its core belief that all people are inherently creative. Forklift Danceworks envisions a world where art, movement and creativity are at the core of everyone’s daily life.

Forklift Danceworks was recently featured in Texas Monthly

"Turning day jobs into dance was the brainchild of Allison Orr. The choreography she creates as artistic director of the Austin-based Forklift Danceworks involves fifteen-ton trash trucks turning in unison or food-service employees pushing stainless steel carts to the beat of an original score. In her latest work, The Way of Water: Onion Creek, Orr and her team have performers wielding chain saws, pushing lawn mowers, and tossing out fistfuls of wildflower seeds."

Congrats to our friends and members on this fantastic article and even more incredible work they do.

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2023 E Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX
78702

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