Concrete parking lots may not be the ideal stage. But for the last six years, they became Sioux Falls’s most unexpected performance venues—courtesy of Headlights Theater.
They started at the peak of shutdowns and quarantines in 2020, hosting socially distanced, pop-up performances with local musicians and visiting dancers in empty downtown lots. Each show’s location was announced only a couple of hours ahead. Audiences would drive to the designated parking lot or ramp, light the “stage” with their headlights, and watch an hour-long performance at sunset.
Madison Elliott, a New York-based dancer, began this joy-filled summer series when she returned to her South Dakota hometown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2025 marked the final summer of these performances. We spoke to Elliott about the inspirations behind Headlights Theater.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What sparked the idea for Headlights?
I was scrolling on Instagram and I saw a friend dancing in a parking lot and there was a moment when a light shined on her. It was like a lightbulb moment. The idea of putting shows on in parking lots with headlights shining on the performers popped into my head.
Since it took place outside, it felt like it could be a way to keep everyone safe and socially distanced yet still connected, while giving artists paid performing opportunities.
Originally, a lot of people thought the idea was crazy and they didn’t think anyone would want to see a show in a parking lot. But that first show ended up being a huge success, so we did another, and another, and another.
What’s the experience like at a Headlights show? And why was it important to you to have it be the way it was?
I think HLT is approachable and accessible to everyone (one of the things that was most important to me). Usually, when you go see a live show it’s in a fancy theater or venue and tickets cost $$$. I wanted Headlights Theater to challenge the traditional ways we view and experience live performance.
It was also important for me to include dancers from around the country. I wanted to bring professionals to Sioux Falls, not only to share their gift with the community but to share Sioux Falls with them and kind of break those preconceived notions of what this small city in SD is.
But mainly I just wanted to bring professional high-quality dance to Sioux Falls. I wanted to share something that I never got to see in our town.
You have roots in Sioux Falls but spent time away before you set up Headlights. What would your younger self think of Headlights?
I know little Madison would think it’s the coolest thing ever. I know she was craving something like this growing up in Sioux Falls.
As a kid I always had to go other places to get specific training, and it felt like art was everywhere except Sioux Falls.
Little did I know that being back was exactly what I needed. Because of Headlights, I started my career in Sioux Falls, which I didn’t think was possible.
If someone wanted to start something like Headlights, what advice would you give them?
Do it. And just know what you are going to make has an impact on those around you. There is always a need for more art. Work with people that inspire you.