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The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will present “En Pointe: Expressions of Dance in Art.”

In dance, our bodies are the paintbrush and the world is our canvas. Dance is performative, occupying space and elapsing time, and it is a particular challenge to capture motion within one static moment. Yet, it is a challenge many artists have endeavored for centuries.

We dance to celebrate, to commemorate, to commiserate and to initiate. It can be the play of free expression, or impressive and rigidly choreographed physical achievements. Dance can serve as a social function that communicates ideas beyond barriers of spoken language, allowing us to tell stories and say with our bodies what we cannot put into words.

Dance serves ritualistic and religious functions in historic cultures worldwide. We dance to entreat deities, remember our forebearers and to maintain traditions. We dance to celebrate the changing seasons of our world and the changing seasons of life.

On view June 29-Oct. 6, “En Pointe: Expressions of Dance in Art” explores various forms of dance and more through paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, masks and costumes. Over 60 works from the permanent collection will be on display in the Edith-Marie Gallery, telling the story of this powerful and multifaceted form of expression. Several videos of dance add to the experience, and an interactive station invites visitors to add their own form of art in motion. From poetic paintings and drawings of the Ballet Russes by Ernst Oppler (German, 1867-1929) and prints of Native American dancers depicted by Alice Asmar (American, 1929-2021), to a full Panamanian Diablico Sucio costume (circa 1980) and a golden pair of traditional Thai headdresses (circa 1900), visitors can discover how performative arts have inspired the visual arts in cultures throughout history.

On July 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., all Appleton members are invited to celebrate the exhibition at a reception. Enjoy summertime hors d’oeuvres and refreshing beverages, while enjoying dance hits throughout the decades by DJ Just Joel. RSVP for all guests is required by July 7 to Colleen Harper, harperc@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1831.

Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

��The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit