RSS 2.0 FeedJanuary 4, 2012, Dance
Spring 2012 preview: Dance
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.
Kicking off the spring dance season this month is Parsons Dance (January 28). The celebrated organization is directed by Kansas City native David Parsons and will be presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series. This will be their eleventh performance as a part of the Series and will include a new piece dedicated to Series founder Richard Harriman. The Harriman-Jewell Series has yet another extraordinary contemporary company lined up in March. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s second appearance in the Series also will take place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (March 31).
In honor of the month of love, Kansas City Ballet will bring back the classical romance Romeo and Juliet in February. Also sure to heat up the stage is the passionate Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater that can be seen as part of Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College (February 3) and Jin Xing Dance Theatre at the Lied Center of Kansas (February 23). Combined forces of UMKC Conservatory for Dance and Music perform Carmina Burana with choreography by Paula Weber.
April is blooming with multiple opportunities for dance. Johnson County Community College’s other dance offering of the season is the illustrious Moscow Festival Ballet (April 28). Owen/Cox Dance Group joins local artist Nate Fors in Bottom of the Big Top and other works (April 13–15, 20–21). Lastly, the UMKC Conservatory for Dance and Music will host its Spring Dance Concert (April 12–14).
Kansas City Ballet closes out their season in May with a tribute to Masters of American Dance. The quartet includes works by the legendary George Balanchine, New York City Ballet’s Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins, award-winning choreographer Jerome Robbins, and Kansas City’s very own Todd Bolender. Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company also performs May 11–12.
Top Photo: Parsons Dance in Step into My Dream
Dance Contributor
Laura Vernaci is a Kansas City native who has always been passionate about the arts, particularly dance. She began dance lessons at the young age of five and hasn't stopped since. She trained at the Kansas City Ballet where she became a serious dancer and learned about a professional company.
She attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she majored in dance. She transferred to Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2006 and received a degree in Journalism in May 2008. Laura spent the 2008-2009 in Duluth, MN dancing professionally for the Minnesota Ballet. She performed in productions such as, "The Nutcracker," "Cinderella" and "Coppelia" as well as world premier ballets created on the company.
She recently moved back to Kansas City and is excited to combine her experience in writing with her passion for dance. In addition to performing and writing, Laura also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing.
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