RSS 2.0 FeedKansas City Ballet wows, times four
Tue, May 08, 2012
The final series of the Kansas City Ballet’s 54th season, "Masters of American Dance," brings four excellently presented masterpieces to the Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
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Dance Archive
Movers, Shakers, Stalwarts: Kimberly Cowen
Wed, May 02, 2012
After twenty years of association with the Kansas City Ballet, corps veteran Kimberly Cowen is ready to hang up her pointe shoes as she embarks on her next journey, serving as Principal Teacher and Associate Director of the Kansas City Ballet School and Director of the Kansas City Youth Ballet. KCMetropolis' Laura Vernaci spoke with Cowen about her storied dance career and upcoming endeavors.
"Sleeping Beauty" awakens a sell-out crowd
Tue, May 01, 2012
The Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College welcomed the Moscow Festival Ballet as the final act of its season, with charming and cheering results that overshadowed a few missteps.
KC Ballet concludes season with Masters of American Dance
Tue, Apr 24, 2012
The Kansas City Ballet wraps up its inaugural season in the Kauffman Center with a program featuring the choreography of four American choreographers whose work has been central to the New York Ballet over the years: George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Peter Martins and the Ballet’s late, great artistic director Todd Bolender.
From the sublime to the circus
Tue, Apr 17, 2012
The Owen/Cox Dance Group presented their spring performance this weekend at Union Station. It was a lively and touching performance full of their signature collaborative spirit.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet wows—times three
Wed, Apr 04, 2012
In Harriman-Jewell’s penultimate season offering, the talented contemporary company delights with an evening of three powerful and sincere pieces by Jorma Elo, Jiri Kylián, and Nicolo Fonte.
“Journey In” to Liberty
Tue, Apr 03, 2012
Missouri Contemporary Ballet, the young, Columbia-based troupe, revealed just how far it has come in six years with a diverse program of six works by Karen Mareck Grundy, Shannon Lee Wann, and Autumn Eckman.
Red Star rises again in Kansas City
Tue, Mar 20, 2012
Friday night at the Helzberg Hall of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble celebrated its 20th year of touring in the United States. The Harriman-Jewell Series hosted the troupe in its inaugural touring season in 1992 and brought them back this year in its celebratory season.
Conservatory comes together for "Carmina Burana"
Tue, Feb 21, 2012
The combined ensembles of the UMKC Conservatory’s Wind Symphony, choirs, and dance division collaborated on an exciting rendition of Carl Orff’s ubiquitous "Carmina Burana."
Mixed “Motion”
Mon, Feb 20, 2012
At its annual “A Modern Night at the Folly,” City in Motion showcased a lineup of established and new artists, some more inspiring than others.
Passion and tragedy yield success
Mon, Feb 20, 2012
The most famous tale of love and tragedy has been told through various media: on page, in theatre, on screen, and on stage. The Kansas City Ballet's "Romeo and Juliet" transcends the poetic words most famously penned by Shakespeare.
Movers, Shakers, Stalwarts: Annie Cherry and Damian Blake
Tue, Feb 07, 2012
Annie Cherry and Damian Blake (a.k.a. Artemus Vulgaris) tantalize and tickle audiences in diverse performances across the city. Gravitating toward like-minded artists, the two embody the collective spirit of the cutting-edge performing arts scene. The charmingly candid couple sat down with Calli Parker to discuss all things burlesque including the upcoming series at the Folly Theater, The New Century Follies, The Night Cap with Arty Vulgaris at the Fishtank and the Love Hangover Show at Nica’s 320.
Postcards from Andalucía
Tue, Feb 07, 2012
Andalucía's warm breeze and sun-dappled hills were captured in the music and choreography of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater's performance on the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College.
Parsons Dance performs with honor
Wed, Feb 01, 2012
The signature dance company from native son David Parsonsolidified its favored status in the Harriman-Jewell Series on a night when it commemorated the series’ founder, Richard Harriman.
With love from South Africa
Mon, Jan 30, 2012
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the ten-member male performing group from South Africa brought their distinctive harmonious sound to the Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Tuesday as part of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Series.
Movers, Shakers, Stalwarts: Emily Behrmann
Tue, Jan 24, 2012
Now in its 21st season, the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College has built a reputation for high quality, diverse programming, with a schedule of visiting artists ranging from chamber ensembles and jazz quartets to international orchestras, and from one-person comedy showcases and avant-garde dance companies to grandly staged Broadway musicals. Since assuming the role of general manager in 2009, Emily Behrmann has endeavored to broaden the Series’ target audience and further expand its offerings on the stages of the JCCC’s Carlsen Center. This week, Behrmann sat down with Victor Wishna to discuss the state of the Performing Arts Series—its successes, challenges, and plans for the future—and what it means to be both “a Johnson County alternative” and an integral part of Kansas City’s growing and glowing performing-arts scene.
Spring 2012 preview: Dance
Tue, Jan 03, 2012
Dance aficionados will have many options to choose from in the spring 2012 including offerings from the Kansas City Ballet, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Owen/Cox Dance Group, native son David Parsons, and other visiting troupes.
Tchaikovsky swings
Wed, Dec 21, 2011
The Owen/Cox Dance Group’s zany and thoroughly entertaining “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” contains inspired arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s traditional "Nutcracker" score by Brad Cox and others, and also new music for scenes from the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story that do not appear in the Tchaikovsky ballet. This review focuses on the production's music.
Tradition rings true for 39th season
Tue, Dec 06, 2011
Kansas City Ballet sets the scene for the holiday season on a new stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Staying true to previous Artistic Director Todd Bolender’s vision, the troupe's annual production of "The Nutcracker" has remained the same but ticket sales have shattered all past records.
From opera house to art house
Tue, Nov 29, 2011
Adding world-class opera and ballet broadcasts to his cinema’s offerings are just some of the changes Tivoli owner Jerry Harrington has in store.
Alvin Ailey astonishes and receives resounding praise
Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s four-day, five-performance series was presented by Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Friday’s program began with the newest work of the four, each one showcasing a different genre and strength of the company.
PREVIEW: Holiday music and dance
Wed, Nov 16, 2011
The holidays provide an opportunity for almost every classical music and dance organization in town to put on some special programming. But remember: like everybody else, musicians and dancers like to spend the actual holidays with their families, so get in the mood early. If you wait until after December 18, the pickings get much slimmer.
UMKC Dancers showcase classics and new works
Tue, Nov 08, 2011
UMKC Conservatory Dance Division gathered Thursday night to present its fall concert. The predominantly female program featured works by two greats, Antony Tudor and August Bournonville, as well as guest choreographer Jamal Story and the UMKC faculty.
Owen/Cox breaks out of comfort zone with collaboration
Tue, Nov 01, 2011
The Owen/Cox Dance Group began the 2011–12 season Saturday night at a new location and in the company of a new group of musicians from Park University's International Center for Music.
Spooky meets sexy
Tue, Oct 25, 2011
The buxom beauties of Burlesque Downtown Underground entertained a surprisingly large audience for a Thursday night at the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre with the troupe's annual Halloween show, Scared Sexy.
Dancing an all-American ballet
Tue, Oct 18, 2011
In 1876, the same year that Swan Lake debuted in Moscow, Mark Twain published one of his greatest novels, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Over a century later, Tony Award-winning composer Maury Yeston had a vision of an all-American ballet. Yeston called on William Whitener to help accomplish the project. Their vision, "Tom Sawyer—A Ballet in 3 Acts," debuted on Friday at the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Tony winner's take on "Tom Sawyer"
Mon, Oct 17, 2011
“Tom Sawyer—A Ballet in Three Acts” is the first full-length American ballet based on American literature with an American creative team. Though musically well performed, it lacked a decisive view-point and the vitality inherent to Mark Twain’s beloved scalawag. Libby Hanssen's review focuses on the musical aspects of the production.
Twenty years of Wylliams/Henry
Tue, Oct 04, 2011
Now in their twentieth season, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company presented its fall concert to enthusiastic fans. The program featured a number of selections with passionate, culturally inspired choreography. The company also shared some exciting news of future projects.
Todd Bolender Center celebrates grand opening
Wed, Aug 31, 2011
As the new home for the Kansas City Ballet, the Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity welcomed dancers of all ages and experiences for a week of free classes and performances. Troupes from Kansas City and around the world joined in celebrating all things dance during the Center's festive opening.
Fall 2011 preview: Amalgam experiences
Tue, Aug 30, 2011
Kansas City, true to its frontier heritage, has a scene that is pushing the boundaries of the sonic world and pioneering artistic collaborations. From the smallest galleries and grittiest bars to the shiny opulence of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City’s musicians and artists continue to forge new trails for experimental experiences combining music, dance, theatre, and film.
Fall 2011 preview: Dance
Tue, Aug 23, 2011
Kansas Citians look forward to what the art of dance will bring in fall 2011, both from local groups and touring ensembles. For a preview of what is to come over the next couple of months, look inside, and be sure to mark your calendars in advance.
Adult fairy tales in the land of Bump-and-Grind
Wed, Aug 03, 2011
"Grimm and Bare It" brings the best of Kansas City burlesque together for a fabulously bawdy re-telling of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The performances for the Kansas City Fringe Festival were just a teaser for the full-scale August production but were full of ribald fun nonetheless.
Interpreting sculpture through dance
Wed, Jul 20, 2011
Roxy Paine's "Ferment" on display on the grounds of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has become a favorite subject of local composers and choreographers. Owen/Cox Dance Group is the most recent to interpret the massive stainless steel sculpture into dance.
Fringe Festival 2011
Tue, Jun 28, 2011
The 7th Annual KC Fringe Festival is an unfiltered, uncensored sampling of Kansas City’s cultural arts and runs July 21–31st, 2011. The 11-day festival is jam-packed with live theater, dance, performance art, visual art, spoken word, puppetry, storytelling, film and fashion.
DOUBLE REVIEW: Symphonic Quixotic reaches new levels and fans
Tue, May 17, 2011
KCM reviewers Libby Hanssen and Laura Vernaci break down "Symphonic Quixotic," a collaborative show between the Kansas City Symphony and Quixotic. The elaborate production was fast-paced and, with its lights, aerialists, costumes, and video elements, offered many visual and a few aural surprises.
Celebrating 20 years with forward-looking WHCDC
Mon, May 16, 2011
Performing just eight works from the ensemble's twenty-year history barely scratches the surface of Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company's vibrant and vital repertory.
"The Aluminum Show" recycles, relates, and revives
Tue, May 10, 2011
At the Folly Theatre, the Harriman-Jewell Series ended its season with an innovative and crowd-pleasing blend of theatre and dance courtesy of The Aluminum Show.
Ballet bids farewell with great "Moves"
Fri, May 06, 2011
The Kansas City Ballet grandly ends its tenure at the Lyric Theatre with a the world premiere of William Whitener's "Mercy of the Elements," the Kansas City premiere of Jerome Robbins' "Moves," and Twyla Tharp's mammoth "Catherine Wheel Suite."
DOUBLE REVIEW: New music, new dance, new collaboration
Wed, May 04, 2011
In honor of Owen/Cox Dance Group and newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble merging their talents, our two reviewers, Laura Vernaci and Lee Hartman, offer a he said/she said of their own.
Joffrey Ballet dazzles and delights
Tue, Apr 05, 2011
Chicago-based Joffrey Ballet brought 41 dancers to jeté, arabesque, and all other manner of poetic bodily motion across the stage at Yardley Hall as part of the Johnson County Community College Performing Arts Series.
"Giselle" excites and ignites passion
Sat, Mar 12, 2011
The Kansas City Ballet recreates another audience favorite in Adolphe Adam's "Giselle." With striking performances by the two solo dancers, they captured the joys of love and despair of heartbreak.
Dance and romance with Fine Arts Chorale
Tue, Feb 15, 2011
Celebrating the 100th birthday of Independence, Missouri-born screen and dance legend Ginger Rogers, the Fine Arts Chorale's Valentine's concert at Californos was enjoyed by a sell-out crowd.
Eleven viewpoints in motion
Tue, Feb 08, 2011
Eleven choreographers tested their mettle in City in Motion's annual "A Modern Night at the Folly." Covering personal stories, cultural demonstrations, and abstract conceptions these local choreographers presented a compelling evening of dance.
Harriman-Jewell Series announces 2011–12 season
Wed, Feb 02, 2011
There is no shortage of stars on the Harriman-Jewell Series' 2011–12 season. Vocalists, dancers, jazz greats, pianists, and instrumentalists abound across the eighteen concerts and three performance venues: the Folly Theater and the Kauffman Center's Helzberg Hall and Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Lar Lubovitch excites and inspires
Tue, Feb 01, 2011
Presenting four works from his company's 42-year history for the Johnson County Community College Performing Arts Series, Lar Lubovitch's works are vital, engaging, and thrilling.
PREVIEW: Community experience with 940 Dance
Tue, Jan 25, 2011
Sarah Bluvas previews Lawrence-based 940 Dance Company's upcoming performance with City in Motion's Modern Night at the Folly on February 5. It'll be a dash of Midwestern modernism.
PREVIEW: Spring dance—Local, national, international sensations
Tue, Jan 18, 2011
The human body is capable of magnificent beauty when set in motion and coupled with music. The talented dancers of Kansas City and visiting touring groups are poised to dazzle with their aesthetic athleticism in their spring's performances.
PREVIEW: Spring dance—Local, national, international sensations
Mon, Jan 10, 2011
The human body is capable of magnificent beauty when set in motion and coupled with music. The talented dancers of Kansas City and visiting touring groups are poised to dazzle with their aesthetic athleticism in their spring's performances.
Soloists shine in perennial favorite
Sun, Dec 19, 2010
Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" is a holiday staple and rightly so. Filled with lovely music and infinitely danceable, the Kansas City Ballet continues to delight with their annual staging of this enduring tale.
Owen/Cox adds color and flair to classic holiday tale
Sat, Dec 18, 2010
It was fun to say goodbye to the traditional and expected concepts for a night, and embrace this classic tale with a delightful and touching twist.