Knitting Ballet was a performance art piece that was part of the Office of Arts and Cultures 2016 Experiments in Public Art series. Knitting Ballet invited a sweet interruption to commuters’ routines. Hernando received this commission as an opportunity to push concepts she explores within her traditional studio practice into a public realm. Hernando’s installations and paintings focused on revealing a more full portrayal of women’s lives and experiences. She additionally explored ways individuals can be transformed when they come together and tailored Knitting Ballet around this notion.
Portrayed through impromptu music and dance, Hernando created a narrative of two individuals, previously separated, that come together through knitting and music. The individuals inspire each other and their audience. This narrative was performed along two of Boulder’s high ridership bus routes during peak commute. Dance of the Heart adapted to the harsh concrete environment and performed impromptu to the classic tango score “Gallo Ciego” by Bardi, delivering a surprise that momentarily relieved viewers’ minds of their worries and commute.
