Lurks Behind Vol. 2

“Lurks Behind Vol. 2” is the second installment in a powerful three-part dance series by Southern DanceWorks that transforms community stories into dynamic performance art. Set in Birmingham’s historic neighborhoods, this year’s production centers on two of the ninety-nine communities rich with resilience, pride, and untold narratives. Through dance, spoken word, and multimedia design, the event creates a living archive of neighborhood experiences, shaped directly by residents through Heart Workshops: Talking and Moving. These intimate sessions allow community members to share personal reflections on pressing issues such as food insecurity, housing, and local identity, which then become the emotional and choreographic foundation of the performance.

Directed by internationally acclaimed choreographer Germaul Barnes and created in collaboration with a diverse team of Birmingham-based artists, “Lurks Behind Vol. 2” redefines how the arts engage with social justice and civic dialogue. The performance blurs the line between audience and performer, inviting the public not just to witness, but to reflect on what lies beneath the surface of everyday places and people. By centering local voices and stories, Southern DanceWorks brings movement to memory and meaning—offering a vision of the arts as both mirror and catalyst for community transformation.