BroadwayWorld.com Dance Stories

Bart Cook and Roslyn Anderson Set for Houston Ballet's Dance Talk, 5/21

Sat, 18 May 2013 19:54:12 PST

On Tuesday, Tuesday, May 21 from 8:00 - 9:00 pm, join Houston Ballet for a free Dance Talk featuring former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Bart Cook discussing Jerome Robbins's comic masterpiece The Concert, and Roslyn Anderson about her work staging Ji?í Kylián's signature work, Sinfonietta.

Both The Concert and Sinfonietta will be featured on Houston Ballet's program Journey with the Masters running May 30 - June 9 at Wortham Theater Center.

The Tuesday, May 21 Dance Talk is free and open to the public at Houston Ballet Center for Dance, 601 Preston Street, 77002.

Pictured: Ballet: The Concert; Dancer: Amy Fote. Photo Credit: Amitava Sarkar.

Blue Lapis Light's HEAVEN~EARTH~ONE Plays Encore at Long Center, Now thru 5/26

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

Heaven~Earth~One, a site-specific aerial dance work from Blue Lapis Light returns tonight, May 19th - 26th, 2013 at Long Center City Terrace.

Tonight, May 19th is Community Night with discounted ticket prices, and Tuesday, May 21st will feature Graham Reynolds and the Golden Arm Trio pre-show concert from 8:15- 8:45pm.

All performances run at the Long Center City Terrace, 701 Riverside Drive, Austin, TX, from 9 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $18 - $58; available through the Long Center Box Office: www.TheLongCenter.org or 512.474. LONG (5664). Or click HERE.

Since 2006, Blue Lapis Light has transformed prominent Austin buildings into uplifting works of beauty. Heaven-Earth-One, created specifically for the terrace at the Long Center overlooking downtown, carries the audience on a visual journey of transcendence.

Heaven-Earth-One features dancers on the outdoor terrace ring atop columns two stories high, singles and partners on aerial silks, and gifted ground dancers. Two months and a crew installing safety rigging and a zip line will allow dancers to appear descending delicately over the heads of the audience.

The beautiful Austin nighttime skyline serves as the backdrop for this mesmerizing show. Using aerial techniques informed by classical, interpretive and modern dance, Blue Lapis Light challenges physical limitations and inspires our audiences with a sense of wonder.

2012's nine-show run of Heaven~Earth~One was well-received by audiences and critics alike, selling out the weekend and final few nights. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance with your group to ensure you don't miss this unique and fleeting show.

Heaven~Earth~One follows the ongoing mission of Blue Lapis Light to create transcendent works of beauty that are offered, without religious denomination, as prayers for the planet. Heaven~Earth~One is presented in collaboration with The Long Center.

BroadwayWorld also reviewed the show recently.

For more information about Heaven~Earth~One and to view videos of past events, visit www.bluelapislight.org.

The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts (Long Center) is a world-class, sustainably built cultural centerpiece located along Lady Bird Lake with spectacular views of Austin's downtown skyline. The Long Center is Austin's iconic cultural hub and community gathering place, showcasing, inspiring and nurturing the best in professional creative expression. For more information, visit www.TheLongCenter.org.

The Largest Creative Industry Mixer Opens Today with Over 800 Guests - All Proceeds Benefit ALS

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:51:13 PST

Rain or shine, in addition to the main studio we have 10 hospitality tents by Apex Event Production and plenty of free off street parking!

Saturday's photo set theme is a larger than life sized cartoon world where guests can act out several scenes from 100 hand drawn props! Customize speech and thought bubbles with dry erase markers!

Enjoy Creative Catering by Mario
GateWay Film Center will be giving away free guest movie passes!

The Columbus Creative Industry Mixer is Central Ohio's largest creative networking event, bringing together the who's-who of the creative arena on one highly anticipated night. Roharik Productions, commercial photography and video production studio, is hosting the 5th annual Mixer on Saturday, May 18th at 9PM. As a networking opportunity, with over 800 guests anticipated, attendees will be brushing shoulders with the industry's top art directors, designers, stylists, models, photographers, talent agents, and print, film, music and television producers. Entertainment, cocktails, and confectionaries by Skyy Vodka, Four String Brewery, Juliet Sky Red Wine, and Auts Tipse Treats, are complimentary, and the staged photo set fuels excitement and interaction within the crowd.
Dress to impress as Hola Columbus TV will be filming throughout the night for a segment that will air on the CW Columbus.

Like CCIM for event updates, photos & videos from past events and photos of the new photo set.

To see who is already coming and RSVP

This year we are pleased to announce that 100% of a suggested entrance fee of $5 will be going to The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter.

About This Year's Top Sponsor
Gateway Film Center is central Ohio's first dedicated film center and features a diverse mix of independent and commercial film in an intimate and stimulating environment. The interesting film mix, Martini Shot Bistro, state of the art digital projection systems, guest friendly staff and sophisticated atmosphere make the Gateway Film Center the definitive cinema of choice for area film lovers.

Shane & Shannon Jensen and More Join BALLROOM DANCESPORT EXTRAVAGANZA at WBT, 6/25

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:31:07 PST

Shane & Shannon Jensen, one of the world's most spectacular ballroom dance teams, are part of the new generation of American ballroom dancers who have created a unique partnership that has won them prominence throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

The Jensens will be one among six world renown couples who will perform in the Ballroom Dancesport Extravaganza show scheduled at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford Tuesday evening June 25.

The show highlights almost every phase of ballroom dancing in showcase presentations and includes one of the world's greatest Argentine Tango teams. The Jensens are the reigning U.S. Theater Arts Champions, Silver medalists in the "open-to-the-world professional cabaret championship and grand finalists in numerous major Latin dance competitions. By special invitation they will perform this year in Blackpool, England, the world's most prestigious ballroom event.

Originally from Provo, Utah, Shane and Shannon met while attending Brigham Young University where they were members of that University's undefeated formation team with whom they toured five countries in Europe. Shane, who is a year older than Shannon had been a missionary in Mexico before returning to school where he teamed with Shannon as sophomores and married.

When not traveling for shows and competitions the Jensens teach at the Metropolitan Dance Center in Stamford, CT where they are extremely popular. Shane's masculine look and rhythmical feel, combined with Shannon's feminine, beautiful lines, have created a unique partnership, which has enabled this talented couple to become audience favorites.

Westchester Broadway Theatre audiences will also thrill to World Cup Latin Champions Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva, Anya Demidova, winner of the Professional Ballroom title contested on the hit ABC-TV show "Dancing With The Stars", with her partner Andrew Begunov, 15-year-old World 10-Dance Champions Patryk Ploszaj and Anna Kaczmarski.

Returning, are Eastern European Latin Champions Dmitri and Svetlana Ostashkin, also winners of most major competitions in America and owners and teachers of New York Dance Center in nearby Ardsley, NY.

Also, there is no greater Argentine Tango team than Jorge Torres and Maria Blanco. Torres occupied the "Captain of the Dancers" role in Broadway's "Forever Tango" for which he was nominated for a Tony Award for best choreography of a show. Blanco recently produced the now touring show, "What A Woman Wants From a Man in Tango".

Doors Open/Dinner 6:00 PM Showtime is 8:00 PM. $80 Per Person Plus Tax. Ticket includes a complete served meal. For further information or to make reservations contact the box office at (914) 592-2222. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.broadwaytheatre.com.

Pictured: Shane & Shannon Jensen. Photo Credit: Robert Beslove.

BWW Reviews: FIAF Presents THE ULYSSES SYNDROME Celebrating World Nomads Tunisia

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:41:27 PST

French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) presents The Ulysses Syndrome celebrating World Nomads

Tunisia

On Thursday May 14, 2013, as part of the fifth edition of its biennial World Nomads Festival, the

French Institute Alliance Française presented The Ulysses Syndrome, a dance choreographed by Jonah

Bokaer. Jonah Bokaer is American and part Tunisian. He explores his familial roots by performing this

meditative work with his Tunisian born father, Tsvi Bokaer.

The work started with two men sitting side by side on the stage, with the sounds of ocean waves in the

background. The men are relaxed, as if waiting for the sun to rise. They sat for long stretches, showing

a kinship and fusing a bond on stage before they rose to go in separate directions. Even in their

parting, the two men never totally separated. The elder gentleman always has his eyes on the younger

man, as if he were watching him explore his life's journey.

The Ulysses Syndrome refers to a condition of dislocation, alienation, and isolation in the immigrant

experience. "Ulysses, to me, is a search, a longing to be home," says Jonah. Jonah and Tsvi Bokaer

have shown us that there is always a way back home--the journey starts in your heart, the place where

Jonah created this choreography.

Principal Dancer Irina Dvorovenko Gives Final Performance with American Ballet Theatre Tonight

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

Irina Dvorovenko, a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre since 2000, will give her final performance with the Company tonight, May 18, 2013 at the Metropolitan Opera House in the role of Tatiana in Onegin. Dvorovenko will dance opposite Cory Stearns in the role of Eugene Onegin.

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Irina Dvorovenko began her ballet training at the age of 10 at the Kiev Ballet School. She joined the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Kiev in 1990 as a soloist, rising to the rank of principal dancer in 1992. Her repertoire with that company included Gamzatti in La Bayadère, the title roles in Cinderella and Paquita, Kitri, the Queen of the Driads, and Mercedes in Don Quixote, Giselle and Myrta in Giselle, the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, Princess Aurora and Princess Florine in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette-Odile in Swan Lake and the Tchaikovsky Pas de deux. She also danced the pas de deux Le Corsaire and Diana and Acteon.

Dvorovenko's awards include a Gold Medal and the "Anna Pavlova" Prize at the International Ballet Competition in Moscow (1992), the Grand Prix at the International Ballet Competition Serge Lifar in the Ukraine (1994), a Diploma and the Grand Prix in the Junior Division of the Ukraine Ballet Competition (1987), a Diploma in the Junior Division of the Moscow Ballet Competition (1988), a Silver Medal at the Jackson International Ballet Competition (1990), and a Bronze Medal at the International Ballet Competition in Osaka, Japan (1991).

Dvorovenko joined American Ballet Theatre in August 1996 and was promoted to Soloist in 1997. She was appointed Principal Dancer in August 2000. Her repertoire with the Company includes Terpsichore and Polyhymnia in Apollo, Mathilda Kchessinska and the Tsarina in Anastasia, Nikiya and Gamzatti in La Bayadère, the second movement in Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1, the title role in Ben Stevenson's Cinderella, Swanilda in Coppélia, Medora in Le Corsaire, Kitri and Mercedes in Don Quixote, The Dying Swan, Giselle, Myrta and the peasant pas de deux in Giselle, Grand Pas Classique, the Queen of Hearts in Jeu de Cartes, the pas de deux from Known by Heart, Le Grand Pas de Deux, Marguerite in Lady of the Camellias, Hanna Glawari and Valencienne in The Merry Widow, the Sugar Plum Fairy in Kevin McKenzie's The Nutcracker, the Operetta Star in Offenbach in the Underworld, Tatiana in Onegin, the Paquita pas de deux, Cerrito and Taglioni in Pas des Déesses, the Siren in Prodigal Son, Raymonda in Raymonda, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Odette-Odile in Swan Lake, the first and second movements in Symphony in C, the Sylvia Pas de Deux, Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew and the Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. Dvorovenko has performed leading roles in Allegro Brillante, Birthday Offering, Études, In The Upper Room, Petite Mort, Les Sylphides, Symphonie Concertante and Without Words and a featured role in Push Comes to Shove. She created a leading role in The Brahms/Haydn Variations.

Following her final performance with American Ballet Theatre, Dvorovenko plans to continue performing as a guest artist with companies around the world.

Subscriptions for American Ballet Theatre's 2013 Spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House are on sale now by phone at 212-362-6000, or online at ABT's website www.abt.org.

Derek Hough, Chelsie Hightower Appear at Lakeland College, Sheboygan Symphony Fundraiser Today

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

The region's premier social event just added two big doses of style, elegance and star power.

Derek Hough and Chelsie Hightower, two of the biggest talents on the popular ABC television series "Dancing With the Stars," will participate in the sixth annual Movers & Shakers Gala at Lakeland College.

Hightower and Hough will be part of an unforgettable evening that will see eight Sheboygan County "celebrities" show off their best dance moves to raise money for local charities and nonprofit organizations as part of the Movers & Shakers Gala, a benefit for Lakeland College and The Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra.

The event is scheduled for today, May 18, as Lakeland's Todd Wehr Center will once again be transformed into a beautiful ballroom, including an inviting dance floor, a massive lighting setup and huge video screens to provide Hough, Hightower and a who's who of Sheboygan County a lush stage to showcase their best moves.

In its first five years, Movers & Shakers has raised nearly $1.4 million, including a four-year total of $263,500 for more than 30 nonprofit organizations.

Major sponsors of this year's Gala are the Frank G. and Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation and Sargento Foods Inc. Additional event sponsors include Festival Foods, Masters Gallery Foods, Inc., Sheboygan Chevrolet-Cadillac and Zimmermann Printing.

Movers & Shakers is pleased to welcome back eight previous dancers for an all-star night of entertainment. Again this year, each dancer has selected a charity which will benefit from their votes sales.

The 2013 lineup includes:

Lisa Brotz, who comes in hot off her meticulous 2012 tap medley. She is employed by Plastics Engineering Co., and also owns and operates Northstar Farm. Votes for Brotz will also benefit Lakeshore Community Health Center. Brotz is sponsored by Plastics Engineering Company.

Paula Gentine, a member of the St. John the Baptist Church and a community volunteer, won the 2010 Movers & Shakers title with her hot and spicy version of the salsa. Votes for Gentine will also benefit Sharon S. Richardson Hospice. Gentine is sponsored by Sargento Foods Inc.

Suzie Herold, medical director of executive wellness for Prevea, who won the Judges' Choice Award in 2011 for her knockout performance of the samba. Votes for Herold will also benefit Safe Harbor. Herold is sponsored by Prevea Health.

Zukie Hirota, who is involved in management at Lakeland College's Japan campus, riveted the audience in 2010 with her unique performance of the Latin showcase dance "Fragrance of Japan." Votes for Hirota will also benefit Lakeland College Japan campus. Hirota is sponsored by Lakeland College Japan campus and NIC International College in Japan.

Nellie Schmitt, a popular local entertainer who danced the rumba in the first Gala in 2008. Votes for Schmitt will also benefit Meals on Wheels. Schmitt is sponsored by Loretta Schmitt, Jos. Schmitt & Sons Construction Co., Inc. and friends.

Wally Waldhart, vice president of sales and communications at ACUITY, an active community volunteer and the first winner of the Judges' Choice Award in 2010 for his memorable performance of the American tango. Votes for Waldhart will also benefit Theatre for Young Audiences. Waldhart is sponsored by ACUITY.

Deborah Wente, the chair of the Movers & Shakers organizing committee and an active community businessperson and volunteer, returns after her graceful performance of the fox trot in 2010. Votes for Wente will also benefit PSC, Partners Seeking a Cure. Wente is sponsored by the Grover Family Foundation, Inc.

Ed Zieve, an octogenarian and CEO of Kees Inc., of Elkhart Lake, got a standing ovation for his 2011 performance of the jitterbug. Votes for Zieve will also benefit the Elkhart Lake Library. Zieve is sponsored by the Zieve Family Foundation.

Complete biographies of each dancer are available on the Movers & Shakers website, http://moversandshakersgala.org.

The format and layout for the evening has been enhanced to accommodate more than 1,000 guests in the ballroom to view the 8 p.m. performance. Theatre-style seating, along with limited table-seating around the dance floor, are available.

A pre-event reception will begin at 6 p.m. with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Following the dance performances, additional food will be available for purchase and the cash bar will remain open during the live music and open dancing.

Tickets go on sale Monday, March 4, and can be purchased exclusively online at http://moversandshakersgala.org. If you have questions, please contact event planner Kym Leibham at (920) 207-0222 or leibhamk(at)lakeland(dot)edu. There is limited table seating for eight for $3,000, and individual, theater-style seating at $200, $100 and $50.

In addition, 12 fortunate guests have the opportunity to sit with Hightower and Hough at their personal tables for the evening. Six seats are available at each of the star's tables for $750 per ticket. The tickets will be sold first come, first served. The tables are in a prime location at the front of the ballroom and include hors d'oeuvres, tableside cocktail service during the Gala and preferred parking.

The Gala will also include a live auction that will give two people the opportunity to dance with Hightower and Hough at the Gala. Details about this once-in-a-lifetime auction item are on the Movers & Shakers website.

You don't have to attend the event to help support the charities. Anyone can purchase votes, at $20 each, for their favorite dancer prior to the event at the Movers & Shakers website. These charities receive 50 percent of the proceeds raised from the votes for each dancer on their behalf, so vote early and often.

The celebrities will be paired with a professional dancer, and are in the midst of months of training before they compete to win the support of four judges and what's sure to be another sell-out crowd.

"We are always looking for ways to keep this fabulous event fresh and exciting, and based on the early feedback, people are thrilled to be able to see Derek Hough and Chelsie Hightower perform in person," said Deborah Wente, a member of the Lakeland Board of Trustees and the chair of the Movers & Shakers organizing committee.

"The community support and volunteer interest for Movers & Shakers continues to be strong. These people join our 'celebrities,' local companies and our guests who give financially to make this evening successful."

Following the competition, the dance floor will be open to all guests and the Swing-O-Matics will provide music for the remainder of the evening.

You can also be part of the pre-event buzz by joining dancers, committee members, guests and volunteers on Facebook at http://moversandshakersgala.org/facebook. "Like" us for regular updates.

BDCP Hosts Urban Dance Concert Tonight

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

The Baltimore Dance Crews Project (BDCP) provides Baltimore City youth with an after school dance program that supports student achievement, builds community, encourages creativity, and promotes healthy lifestyles. Through dance, BDCP pushes their youth physically, artistically, and mentally. Their mission is to cultivate urban dance leaders to elevate the expectations of youth.

Tonight, May 18th, BDCP is hosting "I Can B'More: The Urban Dance Concert" to showcase and celebrate artists who elevate expectations of themselves more each day.

Cynthia Chavez, the Artistic Director of BDCP, is excited for Baltimore to see the progress her students have made. "Brian Gerardo and I started the Baltimore Dance Crews Project to give Baltimore City students an opportunity to build positive relationships between teachers and students, learn Hip-Hop dance, gain leadership experience, and perform across the Baltimore and the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area."

A community driven showcase, I Can B'more: The Urban Dance Conert features performers young and old ranging from community dancers to professionals. Performers will share how the power of dance has transformed their lives and communities. Through these inspiring stories BDCP continues to provide a more promising future for students using the arts.

Set in the LeClerc Auditorium at Notre Dame of Maryland University (4701 N. Charles St. Baltimore, MD), the doors will open at 5:30 PM and the show will start at 6:00 PM.

Pre-sales tickets cost $15 on BDCP's website and $25 at the door.
People and Organizations can also donate to the organization or become a sponsor.
For more information please contact, Brian Gerardo, at 410-419-1562, baltimoredcp(at)gmail(dot)com.

Date: Saturday, May 18th, 2013
Time: Doors open at 5:30pm; Show starts at 6:00pm
Location: LeClerc Auditorium at Notre Dame of Maryland University (4701 North Charles St. Baltimore, MD)

ABOUT BALTIMORE DANCE CREWS PROJECT (BDCP)
BDCP was founded by educators Brian Gerardo and Cynthia Chavez in 2008. Having both performed with numerous dance groups, they aim to share their love of dance with the Baltimore community. Over the years, more dancers have joined the organization to inspire the Baltimore youth with their after school dance program.

Roharik Productions Presents Columbus Creative Industry Mixer Today

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

The Columbus Creative Industry Mixer is Central Ohio's largest creative networking event, bringing together the who's-who of the creative arena on one highly anticipated night. Roharik Productions, commercial photography and video production studio, is hosting the 5th annual Mixer today, May 18th at 9PM.

As a networking opportunity, with over 800 guests anticipated, attendees will be brushing shoulders with the industry's top art directors, designers, stylists, models, photographers, talent agents, and print, film, music and television producers. Entertainment, cocktails, and confectionaries by Skyy Vodka, Four String Brewery, Juliet Sky Red Wine, and Auts Tipse Treats, are complimentary, and the staged photo set fuels excitement and interaction within the crowd.

Dress to impress as Hola Columbus TV will be filming throughout the night for a segment that will air on the CW Columbus.

GateWay Film Center will be giving away free guest movie passes to the attendees of the event!

Like CCIM for weekly event updates and photos & videos from past events.

This year we are pleased to announce that 100% of a suggested entrance fee of $5 will be going to The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter.

Gateway Film Center is central Ohio's first dedicated film center and features a diverse mix of independent and commercial film in an intimate and stimulating environment. The interesting film mix, Martini Shot Bistro, state of the art digital projection systems, guest friendly staff and sophisticated atmosphere make the Gateway Film Center the definitive cinema of choice for area film lovers.

For more information, click here.

DanceAfrica Tributes Ancestors at African Burial Ground National Monument Today

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

African Burial Ground National Monument, in partnership with the Brooklyn Academy Of Music (BAM), cordially invites the public to the launching of the 36th Annual DanceAfrica Festival with a special tribute to the ancestors who are buried at the African Burial Ground cemetery in Lower Manhattan. The event will take place today, May 18, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The program includes a libation ceremony which will be conducted by the DanceAfrica Council of Elders; music and drumming; and dance performances byUmkhathi Theatre Works from Zimbabwe and the United African Dance Troupe of New York City. The tribute is under the guidance of DanceAfrica artistic director Baba Chuck Davis.

Members of the community and visitors to the African Burial Ground National Monument are encouraged to take part in this celebration; and, to enjoy a day of fun and exciting activities in recognition of National Kids to Parks Day. For more information visit: www .parktrust.org/kidstoparks. Youths who complete the park's Junior Ranger Program will earn Junior Ranger badges and certificates. The African Family Memory Box Workshop will be offered for the public at 12:00 Noon.

The DanceAfrica festivities continue at BAM (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY) on May 19, 2013 and May 24-27, 2013 with dance, music, art, film, and an outdoor bazaar. For more information visit: www .bam.org.