To spot Ann Dancing, look straight ahead at the center of the intersection and find a tall, black rectangular sculpture glowing with bright orange lights-there you’ll see a lively, animated figure of a woman caught mid-dance.
Welcome to the curious and quirky corner of Indianapolis, where Ann just can’t seem to stand still! Imagine yourself surrounded by the sounds of the city-cars pass by, people chatter, and yet, right in the middle of the bustling intersection, someone is having a bit more fun than anyone else. Her name is Ann, and she’s here to show us all how to let loose. Ann isn’t a real person-she’s an electronic artwork, created in 2007 by Julian Opie, an artist all the way from London who, believe it or not, may still be imagining Ann grooving here while he sips tea across the ocean.
Ann’s "dress" is a glowing orange sheath that lights up even on the cloudiest Indiana day. Her high-heeled feet-if you look close-are pointed, ready for a night out, but there’s a twist: Ann never leaves this spot, and she never stops dancing! Her moves are simple yet hypnotic, swaying back and forth for all to see, whether you’re standing on the sidewalk or glancing over from your car.
Now, Ann’s journey to this spot wasn’t always smooth. Not long after she arrived, she went dark-no music, no lights, just an empty base. A mysterious technical problem whisked her away for repairs. But, like every good dancer, she returned to the stage in October 2008, ready to light up Indianapolis once more!
This was the very first artwork installed on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and it quickly became a city favorite. People started making detours just to catch a glimpse of Ann’s endless party. She stands, glowing, right in front of the Tavern at the Point, making even the busiest intersection feel a bit more magical. And somewhere in London, Julian Opie is probably smiling, imagining Ann dancing, forever, for the passing traffic-and for you. Would you like to join her for a little sidewalk shuffle?
