RainDance @ Santana Row

Even though Memorial Day was bright and sunny, shoppers at Santana Row had their umbrellas in hand. That’s because they were enjoying the music of Paul DeMarinis’s water creation, RainDance. RainDance uses variations in water streams to create sound. As the water hits the umbrella, the participant can hear a melody created by the falling water. When I first spotted the exhibit, I immediately recognized Paul’s invention from when I first viewed it at his studio, however, there were some aesthetic alterations. Instead of basic metal, the contraption was now painted in bright yellows and greens, making it appear very lively and fun. Additionally, a bright green turf walkway was installed underneath of the waterspouts to recycle the water. The piece was very vibrant, and caught my eye instantly from a far. Even though I had already experienced the awesomeness of RainDance, I couldn’t wait to try it again.

I couldn’t wait to grab an umbrella and walk underneath the musical water, but I was forced to wait by a line of other interested shoppers. As I waited my turn to receive one of the clear umbrellas, I observed all of the other participants. I was so amazed by what a variety of people were enjoying Paul’s creation. I watched a boy of maybe 6 walk under the water and exclaim with a huge grin, “THIS IS FREAKY!” I saw an elderly woman walk behind a young teenage couple, all in awe of the musical water. Each and every person walked off of the platform with a smile on his or her face, both confused and delighted at the same time. When it was finally my turn, I grabbed the umbrella and ducked under the streams of water. Each of the different stations offered a cute melody, and even though I already knew what to expect, I was so enchanted by the music.


I think a huge part of the appeal of Paul’s exhibit is the mystery of it. Most people don’t know or care about the mechanics of this technical piece. They enjoy being bewildered by the music making water that falls over their heads. There is a distinct joy in experiencing something “unexplainable”, and for many shoppers at Santana Row this joy was abundant. Although RainDance can definitely be commended for its complexity and ingenuity, it is the awe that the little melodies invoke that makes the piece so memorable. From young to old, people were genuinely delighted by Paul’s invention and I think that made the piece very successful.