Ann Dancing sits in the heart of Indianapolis's Mass Ave neighborhood, that stretch of artsy storefronts, theaters, and bars and feels like it's humming with its own rhythm. The piece was unveiled in 2008 and created by artist Julian Opie, whose signature LED figures have this uncanny way of being both simple and mesmerizing. Ann is no exception. Her looping, pixel‑bright dance feels like it's been choreographed specifically for the corner she occupies, and even with all the foot traffic around Mass Ave, she somehow becomes the attraction your eyes keep drifting back to. I specifically came to this part of town to see her, and I ended up lingering longer than I expected. I grabbed a seat at the neighboring bar with a clear view of the sculpture, and the steady repetition of her movement was practically hypnotic. There's something about watching Ann dance while the rest of the neighborhood moves around her that makes the whole experience feel a little surreal, like she's the pulse of the block. It's one of those artworks that rewards slowing down and letting it loop a few times. [Round number review 1000 of 2026 - 207 in Indiana - 26179 overall] read more

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What can I say? Ann is an easily recognizable icon of the city. You know you are on Mass Ave, a very happening area of Indy. She has been swaying her hips from side to side over 20 years now and shows no signs of slowing down. First time I saw her she reminded me a bit of a streetwalker with the come hither movements, but she has grown on me. This street corner would not be the same without her. read more

Ann Dancing - Public Art Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It's hard to believe that Ann has been dancing and greeting visitors to Mass Ave for nearly 20 years. This LED electronic sculpture brings movement and fun to downtown and is a fixture of Indianapolis. Ann is a perfect photo opt for visitors. (I've taken photos of my granddaughter dancing with her.) Artist, Julian Opie. produced the piece in 2007. The Crystal Dehaan Foundation underwrote the project according to a nearby plaque. Opie is well known for his simplistic examples of human form. "Ann" is one of several public art pieces on Mass Ave. She stands where the Cultural Trail intersects Mass Ave, probably by design. I found early morning, nearby street parking so that I could enjoy her. I love her!!! read more

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Ann Dancing is a downtown Indianapolis icon. This whimsical digital art piece is located on Massachusetts Avenue, near Vermont, off of the Indy Cultural Trail. I get turned around easily when I'm on Mass Ave. All of those streets that intersect diagonally with each other! Oy vey. But Ann Dancing is like a beacon: When I see her serpentine dance, I'm automatically able to reorient myself. I'm so glad she's here. A lad named Julian Opie created this art piece. Other than that, I don't know anything about the significance of Ann Dancing, or why this digital art came about, or what it's supposed to mean. When it comes to art, I like to live in that lovely liminal space of benign ignorance, and instead lean on my feelings. I feel like I like Ann Dancing a lot, and it makes me happy, and that's enough for me. read more

For those of us who serve as the core of Indy's Yelp community, it's not uncommon for one of us to look over at a fellow Yelper's review and think "Wait a minute. How have I never reviewed that?" Such is the case for me today as I spied Nicole S.'s review of Indy's semi-iconic "Ann Dancing," a public art installation that is mostly beloved but occasionally scorned. Ah well. I like her. She was created in 2007 by London-born Julian Opie. Ann Dancing has been removed from its base a couple times for repairs and the downtown area feels a little bit weird without her. Fortunately, she's back. Fun Fact: Ann Dancing was the first artwork installed on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail at a total expense of $150,000 (we really do need to stop picking on Carmel. Nah.). The sculpture consists of four rectilinear panels of light-emitting diode (LED) screens each displaying the same animated image in orange of a woman. The woman, Ann, is wearing a sheat dress and sways from side-to-side as if dancing. She would appear to be wearing high-heeled shoes or to have extraordinarily pointed toes (I don't have feet. I'm no foot expert). That's it. Ann dancing. You either love it or hate it. There seems to be no in-between. Ann Dancing is located at the intersection of Mass Avenue, Vermont Street, and Alabama Street. She's not far from Indy's even more iconic Chatterbox Jazz Club. While I'm not quite willing to call this 5-star public art despite its fairly iconic nature, I think Ann Dancing's place in Indy community lore is established and I'm certainly glad she's here. Whenever I go by her neighborhood, I always stop to visit. read more

Ann is new and improved and dancing better than ever. I must admit that I was a bit sad when we almost lost this iconic figure. She is part of the cultural trail and I remember the Keep Ann Dancing campaign to raise funds to get her the upgrades needed to keep her going. Prior to the campaign, she had not been upgraded in 10 years. The campaign was able to raise $200,000 in just 4 weeks. Yeah, I hear ya. Maybe part of Ann's upgrade should have been some new moves or the addition of some music, but that would not be her. She is true to herself. (yes, I am taking like she is sentient). But this may blow your mind. Maybe, just maybe. Ann does many different moves when no one is watching. Just throwing it out there. Yeah, she may have the same basic moves, but she works it. Ann is a unique electronic sculpture created by Julian Opie in 2007. Initial funding for the project was provided by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick and the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission. Ann consists of Upgraded LED panels, glass and steel. She sits on a brick pedestal. She is meant to reference the historic use of the female form as architectural embellishment. There is tons of metered street parking available nearby, but this is not a very long stop and would probably be better served going to on your way to somewhere else. You can also probably get a pretty good look of the sculpture from the comfort of your vehicle doing a slow rolling drive by. Ann and her dancing moves are hypnotic, be careful because she can put yo in a trance. I really like Ann and her concept for some reason and the fight to keep her dancing brought the best out of not only the community, but people across the world. This is a must see if you are on Mass Ave and has become a staple of the area, achieving almost folk hero status. read more

Definitely an Indy icon that you must share with all your family and friends like I do. She is so unique that everyone must see her at least once. So you have to drive a couple of blocks out of the way, she is worth the experience. While you at it, eat or shop at the Mass Ave venues. Slapfish is one of favorites. Free Tip: Keep a baggie of quarters in your car for parking on downtown streets for when those card readers get frozen ;-) read more

Girl's just gotta dance. Came across this piece of public art when I was working at the nearby Industrious co-working space. Similar to when there's a TV on in a room, I found my eyes drifting over to this screen of an LED outline of this lady dancing outside the window. And I'm surprised to read all the hater reviews. Ann is just being Ann, swaying back and forth to music it seems only she can hear. Yes, she should mix up her moves perhaps once in a while. Michael Jackson didn't just stick with the moonwalk after all. What if Ann flossed or dabbed or did the Electric Slide? But that wouldn't be Ann, I suppose. So with that, Ann keep on doing your thing. And hopefully you motivate others to dance to their own songs along the way. read more

Ann Dancing - Public Art Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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As someone who relates closely to Ann, I couldn't be more proud of her, zesting up our streets. Do I sometimes wish that Ann would sneak in a little hand-jive or soldier boy? Yeah (how amazing would that be?!). But do I love watching people imitating her hip swaying? Double yes. In my book, any modern art is positive art, especially art that people are posting about and promoting our city with. Let's get more of it, shall we? read more

Oh Ann, as a transplant Hoosier you were one of the first funky Indy things I saw when I visited mass ave. I just find it quirky and fun. It's a public art instillation that is located on mass ave. Currently the cultural trail is trying to raise money to repair and keep Ann dancing. I hope this happens, so a unique piece of art can stay home on mass ave. read more

Sometimes you just need to dance like no one is watching! And while the entire city of Indy can see Ann dancing, it obviously doesn't faze her. Now that I think of it, I wish I was more like her. Not afraid to let loose and do her own thing! One of my favorite parts about exploring a new city is finding cool art along the way and this 4-sided light up installation definitely caught my eye. I was about a block away in an office building when Ann's moves were brought to my attention. She was somewhat of a distraction but once I noticed she only had one move, I lost interest. I later saw her up close while driving by on the street. I think it's a fun way to add character to the city... I just wish she mixed it up a bit. It's December and I imagine she's cold. Someone grab the girl a Santa hat! read more

I have enjoyed the idea of having Ann Dancing ever since her "sister" Sarah was part of an early downtown public art initiative (The Arts Council commissioned her as part of a series by Julian Opie called "Signs" back in 2005.) When Sarah was first installed at Washington and Meridian, it was a shock to folks downtown. You see, folks used to miss all the cool things there: the building details, the statues, the art that folks just took for granted. And in today's world where so many have their faces glued to their devices, the art is under appreciated/noticed worse than before. But these moving images forced reactions from a group of people who probably didn't go to art museums or galleries. She was on the corner and silently got their attention. In 2008, Sarah was long gone and Ann began dancing at her current spot. Are there sometimes lights that go out? Sure, but they eventually get repaired. Has technology advanced over the years so that the light movement could be more sensational? Sure, but is that what the artist had in mind? And for those who think she is somehow too seductive for kids, well the porn is in your mind, not on a bunch of moving lights. What I like about the installation is my own interpretation that life is too short to rush from one meeting to another; too precious to waste staring at a phone. If you hear some music and feel like moving, then do it if you want to. If not, then don't. The installation doesn't preach or judge (unlike some self-appointed "gods" of good taste or art critics), it simply exists. If it brings a smile to someone, then it is a good thing to have. For those who are disgusted by the light show, you are taking this much too seriously. Maybe you should listen to Ann. Review #1182 read more

Living in downtown Indy the last 3-5 years, I frequent the Mass Ave area quite a bit. When I think of Mass Ave, I automatically think of Ann Dancing. It's become a staple to the neighborhood. You'll find people of all ages engaging with the artwork. I'll add: she needs some major work. Lots of lights are out and the base needs a good pressure wash. A staple piece of artwork that I'd hate to see go anywhere. read more

Ann is mesmerizing but her faceless swaying makes me feel slightly uneasy. Is she happy? Is she Lana Del Ray? The world may never know.

Some recent reviews have kept this going, and I love seeing all the yelping opinions happening here. I had a recent run in with Ann, so it deserves an update... Just a year ago... our standards for public art were pretty low. Thanks to the Super Bowl initiative we have 46 murals (and more) all over the city -- that vary from Vonnegut to jazz musicians to unique works by local artists (Kyle Ragsdale on the Canal). Art doesn't have to be deep, or tender, or fascinating or perfect. No matter the art work it can be taken seriously (I take the text of Mission Impossible just as seriously as I do Melancholia. And often it's from a feminist point of view; hence, this review). From Ann Dancing's website: "Ann Dancing references the historic use of the female form as architectural embellishment. Whether looking at the caryatids on the acropolis in Athens, Greece or the personifications of Industry, Agriculture, Justice and Literature found at Indianapolis' own Federal Courthouse, the female form has often been used in the development of inspiring places." The caryatid of the acropolis is a robust female figure that supports the structure of the building, and to symbolize their importance in Greece. The Courthouse's figures are stoic female figures symbolizing core values. When you browse the artist's website you'll find that Ann falls in line with all of his work: from men walking, to women dancing nude... they all have plain faces / heads. Ann just so happens to be the one that can most easily be mocked. His other works of the female form are provoking -- full figured forms -- alluring and, although still disembodying the female form... they are not easily mocked. The intentions of art pale in the light of their repercussions -- especially when considering that... morally speaking... there is something terribly terribly terribly terrible about this work of art. Look at Ann. Look at her body. Look at her head. There's no neck, there's no hair, there's no feet. The artist put a woman on public display and burned her femininity at the stake. "Ha! Ha! Look at you women on Mass Ave dancing and having a ball! Well, I'm here to say -- booooooooo -- and I'm going to steal your womanhood from you." It's a public mockery of what a woman is, and that's the issue. Often in art, women are disfigured -- this is another example. Note: a man made Ann. Walking home one night recently, I saw what I have feared from the very first time I saw Ann. I witnessed four baby boomers (three guys, one woman), swaying and dancing with Ann. Is art a game? Is art a game to mock? Even if it is... is a woman a game to play and to mock? read more

I guess we don't always know a good thing until it's gone. I've seen and loved this installation every single time I'm downtown. I hadn't had a particular attachment to it since just recently though. I recently started working on Mass Ave and would see Ann dancing every day as I walked to my office. Well, it just so happens that she went dark the very week that I started. I hope that the fundraiser makes its goal so that she can keep dancing! Ann is just a cool digital sculpture that is a unique landmark in the Mass Ave area. I hope that the community pulls together so we can keep her going! I'm going to come back soon when we get her funded again so that I can do an update to this review! read more

I refuse to learn the intended meaning behind Ann Dancing, because it is probably some pretentious bull-you-know-what that would make me hate her. I also don't know that I can call her "art", since it's just a 10-sec looped LED display. BUUUUUUUT, she makes me smile when I go by. Life's too short not to truly and fully appreciate the silly little things that make you smile...like Ann. p.s. I don't care that she doesn't have a neck or proper curves. Nobody's perfect. read more

Ann, you're a-okay in my book. The fact that you cause a stir between those who like and dislike you shows that you're doing your job. Give 'em something to talk about from your Mass Ave intersection. Although, I will point out that as of late you've been losing some lights and luster. Would love to see you do something crazy once in a while to throw bystanders off. read more

I adore Ann dancing. My girls love dancing with Ann. She's fun and a bit silly. Art is a matter of perception, and if she brings a smile to my kids face and adds a bit of whimsy to Mass Ave. then I say yes - it IS art. Lighten up people. Instead of hating on her, be appreciative that there's was someone considerate enough to add a bit of cheer to the drab brick that was before Vonnegut started flirting with her from across the way! read more

The chick has grown on me over time. Say what you will, but even if people don't know her by name, they recognize her. She's just different enough from everything else that she's become one of those landmark pieces along Mass Ave.... If I had to work next to her all the time, I'm not sure how I'd feel, but on a frequent basis, I've come to pass by and think: "Yep, she's still dancing." Also a good reminder to make sure I've got a spring and swing in my step! Plus her sway reminds me of a Maya Angelou book and poem. read more

4 sided LED column commissioned in 2005 by Arts Council of Indianapolis. Created for Julian Opie: Signs for a temporary exhibition utilizing public spaces. read more

Ann Dancing - Public Art Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Y'all are HATERS! I don't get all the hate for Ann - not everything has to have some deep existential, metaphorical meaning...have you heard of pop art? She is like a robot member of the Supremes, swaying back and forth in her little shift dress. I find her to be charming and whimsical. So there. read more

Time to change it up....Ann Dancing - you have danced long enough Employment led me downtown on a daily basis and also to the Mass Ave area a few times a week -- for food. Mass Ave is one of those "streets that doesn't run east or west or north and south" It just goes against the grain. Low and behold as I am making sure I am at the right place I wonder why no one said.."look for the dancing girl" and you will be there !! Okay it is now how I tell people to find Mass Ave...but let's look at the reasons for the girl dancing -- named "Ann Dancing" -- there is NO reason. She plays no significant part in the history of Indy, she is not a tribute to anyone, she is just "Ann Dancing". It's time for a change Indy. We are hosting the Superbowl in 2012. We hold conventions in honor of FFA every year. The National Fireman Convention convenes here each year, not to mention that we have the largest Children's Museum and the INDY 500...Hello, is anyone getting my drift here?? Let's get rid of the "dancing Ann" and replace her with a something of meaning. After all it is called the "cultural trail". We have Peyton, we have Indy cars, we have so so much...let's try to let the people who visit our fine city know we are proud and welcome them with something a bit more meaningful. Just a thought... read more

WTH!? I lived in Chicago when the Windy City was attacked by life size cow statues in different mural style painted finishes by different artists/organization across the city. That was cool, that was art. Ann sorry, you receive a big fat FAIL. You welcome Indy visitors with off beat, swaying movements that closely resemble that of the drunk girls at college frat parties that are still juniors in high school themselves, actually I think if you had a bottle of captain in your hand it would actually improve the message. I know the cows eventually came down and were auctioned off, is that any chance we can raffle off Ann and get something more improved, a cow? horse? hell, at this point we may as well just hire a go-go dancer in a cage as an improvement! read more

I was taken to a sweet bar by the very cool, Yelp Indy! And, while leaving he showed us this...I don't get it. I think it's very awkward for a normal public setting. I think she dances a little slutty for children to watch while walking down the street. So, in summation, I don't get why this is "Art" and I am not a fan. read more

It's hard for me to consider Ann Dancing "art", but I can appreciate it's uniqueness and the space it fills on Mass Ave. What I'm really upset about is why there isn't a male version?!?!? Go figure... guys are getting the artistic shaft again! I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Just as there isn't an Andy Dancing, there's no male version of the Mona Lisa...and come to think of it, Seurat's "Sunday afternoon" has nearly double the women than men in the park...and even when the subject is a man, like Magritte's "The Son of Man" his face is covered with a green apple! Oh well, I guess I'll just have to settle with being able to pee standing up. read more

After reading Trevor's review (it's OK, he's still a nice guy), I felt compelled to update mine and add a star. Sometimes art is silly, whimsical, and, yes...pointless. If you overthink Ann, you'll end up with a headache and needing to down a few brews at one of the nearby bars. That's the great thing about art. Everyone has their own interpretation and opinion of what it is or is not. Tolstoy's opinion is no more right or wrong than that of Matisse or even Mateff. read more

I'm joining you Janet S. -- we can be the anti-haters! I find her to be a welcome beacon when I am wandering downtown...lost as always...or out doing my weekly mundane Wednesday night hike with the IHC. When I see her...I know I'm almost done with the brain-numbing urban hike. I say: Keep her swaying! read more

I was in Indianapolis for a total of 1.5 hours and this was BY far the coolest thing I saw. I'm not sure why everyone hates this installation so much. We happened to drive by after eating dinner on Mass Ave. Ann brought a smile to my face and she made me want to dance. What's wrong with that? And I don't think her moves are outdated. Anyone who likes to dance has a signature move. "The sway" is Ann's move. Keep swaying Ann. Dance on! read more

Ann Dancing - Public Art Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I'll agree w/ Jon. I thought she was kind of cute the first time I walked down Mass Ave. upon moving here 2 years ago, but I thought that installation art was supposed to change semi-regularly. That thing's been swaying for over a few years now & really needs something cooler & prettier in its spot. Especially since it's right in your view if you're dining outside at the Old Point. read more

Blech! I used to work at Old Point Tavern and that dumb Ann was always out. Part of her leg would be missing or her head. I like the idea, but how much electricity is that thing sucking? How much are the technicians paid to come out and reanimate her legs and head every month? Is it really worth it? I guess she wouldn't be as cool if she was a painting or a model. Oh wait, maybe she would. read more

I like the idea of a dancing LED lady, but they definitely need to teach her some new moves. How cool would it be if she broke into a jig, perhaps the macarena, I'd even take the chicken dance! Just do something *else* and I'd be happy. read more

I love Ann and her outdated dance moves. She shakes her stuff at the perfect intersection on Mass Ave.

Ann was cool when she was first installed, and she still is... kinda. But come on, with today's technology it would be nice if she could shake it up and be programmed to do something other than her signature back and forth dance. But it's art, so I have to be understanding. It's a cool addition to Mass Ave, albeit a sometimes annoying one. read more

I've come to my own conclusion that Ann Dancing as an attempt at art is a fail. I know art. I've regularly visited the IMA, been to public releases, heard artists speak about their work, and how excited they are when their attempt at a message is conveyed. I also am able to tie pieces to points, in time, important events, emotions, or messages. However, Ann's display is merely that, a display. Lack of color, (and actually bad animation) make this seem more of an attempt at a shock value piece, and even then does not display a message that is shocking, new or unattempted. This could have been done by a fourth grader with an Etch-A-Sketch Animate. It does not push the limits of art, but rather uses dated technology and a very boring subject. I see enough "Ann's" dancing on Mass Ave anyway. Furthermore, this is a waste of resources. The electricity used to power this piece is wasted just on the display of the piece. There is no other thing this piece is powering or illuminating. The other resources are the LED display itself. It requires precious rare earths to make these flat panel displays we love. And at the rate we are pouring through them, we will run out before we can recycle them into new displays. So as a city landmark resource, it is a waste. read more