Hope Stone Dance performed to nearly sold out audiences when Village of Waltz premiered in October, 2009. Touted as one of the “Best Productions of the Decade” by CultureMap, the show includes collaborations with internationally acclaimed composer and musician Peter Jones, vocalist Ana Trevino-Godfrey of Mercury Baroque and Bessie Award-winning lighting designer Roma Flowers.

Village of Waltz, set to all live music, is an exquisite evening-length dance and performance piece, choreographed by Jane Weiner. The piece takes a turn from the repetitive linear walk of life and moves into a circular and cyclical pattern. Village of Waltz is an examination of time and community that attempts to reconcile the enjoyment of life.  Weiner shares about her work, “It’s an idealistic cockeyed optimist’s dream of what I wish the world would be.  Everybody is accepted at a gut level.  We all have to make compromises to get along, but that doesn’t mean we have to change who we are inside, what we believe in and our goals and aspirations.”

Hope Stone will once again hold its balcony audience outreach campaign, “Not an empty seat in the house,” which provides 800 free tickets for at-risk youth to attend the live performances. Offering these seats to Houston’s youth is part of Hope Stone’s mission and commitment to present live theater to with the hope of helping students think outside the box, experience the magic of live theater and enjoy an alternative to electronic over-stimulation. Hope Stone has provided more than 4,000 free theater seats since 2005.

DETAILS:             Village of Waltz

Wortham Center – Cullen Theater

500 Texas Street, Houston, TX

October 22 – 23 @ 8 pm

Tickets: $25

To purchase online, visit www.hopestoneinc.org.

To purchase by phone or for on-line purchase assistance, please call 888.695.0888.

For show information, please call 713.526.1907.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Jane Weiner, the 2010 – 2011 lineup includes – Lemonade Stand, Village of Waltz, An Evening of Bread and Circus and the annual Kid’s Play premiere performance ONE. Season passes are available for $65, which will provide one ticket to each of the shows.

It’s been a rough summer, but working on getting back to the blog soon. thanks for hanging in there.

“Three fantastic events below to support Houston arts and they’re all for free.  If you can’t join me at all 3, I hope you can make it to at least one — they are not to be missed!

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions, just ask! Also, feel free to pass the information to any of your interested friends!” – hp

Ballet Barre
Young Professionals for Houston Ballet
Season Kick-off Party
Wednesday, August 25, 6:30-9:00 pm
RDG + Bar Annie, 1728 Post Oak Blvd

Ballet Barre has an amazing schedule planned for the 2010-2011 season (you can view it here, www.houstonballet.org/balletbarre) and it goes much beyond attending 4 performances! If you ever wanted an insider’s view of our world-renowned ballet company, this is the way to do it. Membership starts at $125! Join tomorrow night and receive 2 free drinks.

You do not need to be a member to attend tomorrow night.

Capital One Bank Culture Collision Version Theater District
Thursday, August 26, 6-8 pm
ArCH, 315 Capitol, Suite 120

Join Houston arts & culture enthusiasts to kick-off the 2010-2011 Theater District season amidst an outstanding exhibition,Ready, Set, Go showcasing Houston stage designers.

Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One Bank, Cadillac Dealers of Houston, Smith & Wollensky, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Cafe Moustache, Sprinkles Cupcakes, AIA-Houston, CultureMap and Houston Downtown Alliance.

Complimentary valet or $8 parking in Hobby Center garage.

www.houstondowntownalliance.com/hypa for more information!

RSVP: info@downtownhouston.org.

Experience Dance, Music & Theater at the 17th Annual Capital One Bank Theater District Open House!

It’s a free family day of performances, artist meet-and-greets and much, much more!

It is also the best day to purchase season tickets!  One-day-only specials on Sunday ONLY.

Visit www.houstontheaterdistrict.org for a complete listing of performances and ticketing specials!

]]> http://www.cosmopolitician.com/1-2-3-please-join-me-and-heather-pray/feed 0 http://www.cosmopolitician.com/neverland http://www.cosmopolitician.com/neverland#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:42:28 +0000 Monica Danna http://www.cosmopolitician.net/?p=711 It seems most of my posts have have some sort of MJ slant for the past 3 weeks, and this one is no different. He’s still with me.

I’ve been hearing about this Neverland event a lot this week, and am determined to swing by and check it out. If nothing more, than to hang with the incomparable Miss Y.E.T.

Your are invited to Neverland, an art happening in memory of Michael Jackson at El Rincon Social (Houston, Texas). Featuring live music, video art, visual art, dance, and performance art. Neverland is a DIY celebration of the fantastic—- sequined gloves, the moonwalk, bubbles, and soulfulness.

Music by Nectarine, DJ Shundrick, dance by Sweft Feet Dance Co., and performance by Hisson.

Take pictures at the Michael Jackson photo booth. Bring a blank t-shirt & make your own MJ stencil shirt. Shake it off at the dance-a-thon.

Visual & video art by:

Fulana (Brooklyn)
Sebastian Forray (Houston)
Inge Hoonte (Brooklyn)
Emily Link (Houston)
Nia McCloud (Houston)
Emmanuel Ramos (Houston)
Stephanie Saint (Houston)
Y.E. Torres (Houston)
Fabian Vargas (Houston)
Sway Youngston (Houston)

Presented by labotanica and SPAMMO in collaboration with El Rincon Social, Objectif Magazine, & The Akire Group. RSVP on facebook here.

Questions? contact: la (at) labotanica dot org.

a map to El Rincon exisit aqui.

more info.

see you there.

There was something about Michael that was so immortal. He was the biggest personality on the planet.  Moreso than any political leader. Any actor or actress.  Even music superstars like Madonna, Britney and Justin, PALE in comparison.

So what was it about Michael that made people so damn happy? Smile with they sing along? Giddy when they dance? Nostalgia? I think it was magic.

Just caught wind of this on Twitter:

In honor of Michael Jackson and his unforgettable dance moves that inspired us all AND EMPLOYED DANCERS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS INTO NEW CAREER PATHS!

recent rehearsal photos (TMZ.com)

Lauren Perrone of Sandra Organ Dance Company along with the Houston Dance Community and their friends will be teaching the Thriller dance to anyone and everyone at Discovery Green Park on Thursday. WE want to commemorate the man who inspired so many of us to moonwalk and sing our hearts out. ROCK WITH US! Bring the kids, sneakers, and soul.

Thursday, July 2, 2009
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Discovery Green
1500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77010
FREE!

Sponsored by Discovery Green and Spearheaded by Sandra Organ Dance Company, Dance Source Houston, and Dance Houston.

Of all the faces of Michael Jackson, above has always been, and always will be, the way I remember him.

As the world reacts to the death of an icon, I reflect on the memories I have of the King of Pop.

Like him or not, it’s undeniable the effect Michael Jackson has had on the past 30 years of music.

Without Michael, there’d be no Justin. No Britney. No American Idol. It’s hard to say what fate pop music would have had without him.

More importantly, to me, Michael was Dance. A passion that had stayed with me for 30 years. I still remember choreographing to my Thriller vinyl in the house I grew up in, using my sister and best friend as back up dancers. Of course, I was always lead. :-) I owe this love of mine to him, and him alone. I now admire contemporaries like Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Britney Spears, and see many of his original moves in their steps.  Wondering what would be of these contemporaries had there not been a Michael Jackson.

Growing up in the 80′s to escape his presence was impossible.  My nostalgia for MJ trumps any controversies and dramatic events that occurred in his life.  I have only fond memories of this amazing musician, performer and trend setter.

I’m saddened today by the great loss the world has witnessed, but grateful for the many memories of him that have helped to make up my first 30 years. Thanks, Michael.  You Rock My World.

Need your dance fix this weekend? Check out these 3 dance events this weekend. Natch.

Joy, Dance and Giving Animals a Chance

Benefiting
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater
and
Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc.

Come enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, an exclusive silent auction, and an

intimate performance by the DWDT Dancers
Saturday, May 30, 2009
6:00 to 8:00 PM

Joy Yoga Center
4500 Washington Ave., Suite 900, Houston, Texas 77007

$15 suggested donation at the door

Please let us know if you can join us!
RSVP to info@dwdt.org or 713-652-3938
The Big Range Dance Festival

Please visit www.bigrange.org for more information or to buy tickets.

The last Casting Couch of this season’s Dominc Walsh Dance Theater is this Friday, May 1st. If you haven’t read my post on my first DWDT experience, get on it.  You’ll see why I’m desperately in love with this modern dance troupe.

Casting Couch is the unique opportunity to experience the latest DWDT performance, followed by a chance to join the dancers on the stage for conversation, music, drinks and food.  This weekend’s Casting Couch will feature pizza from Angelo’s downtown, and wine from SoVino.  After the Casting Couch, we’ll be headed to SoVino for POP! a party with Pop Rocks, pop music, popcorn and we will be poppin’ the top off of Pommeroy Pops.  Party goes from 9:30p – close and the special drink of the night will be Pop Rock-rimmed Pommeroy champagne.

Click here for your Casting Couch Tickets

Read more below about this weekend’s performance.

The Trilogy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
April 30-May 2, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall

Dominic Walsh and the DWDT company members were in Sarasota for the Florida premiere of Walsh’s Mozart Trilogy this past weekend. The Trilogy features Wolfgang for Webb performed by Sarasota Ballet, Amadeus for Anita performed by DWDT, and Mozart performed by dancers from both companies. The two companies are travelling to Houston for our presentation of this thrilling homage, with stunning scenic design by Houston artist Libbie Masterson and distinctive costumes by Domenico Luciano.

Sarasota Ballet has enjoyed much success since Iain Webb took over as Artistic Director in 2007, including glowing critical and public reviews. Last year, Webb graciously invited Walsh to choreograph a new work for the company and the result was Wolfgang for Webb. Now, Sarasota Ballet and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater join forces to bring Walsh’s complete Mozart Trilogy to audiences in Sarasota and Houston.

To read more about The Trilogy, please click on the links below.

Herald Tribune | Pelican Press | Bradenton Herald

Do not miss this opportunity to see these award-winning contemporary ballets set to the celebrated piano sonatas, operatic works, and symphonies of Mozart.

Mozart
2008 Princess Grace Choreography Fellowship

Amadeus for Anita
2007 Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography

Click here for tickets or call the Box Office at 713-315-2525.

image: tracy manford

If my incessant tweets about Britney Spears hasn’t tipped you off that I am a huge fan of dance, then maybe my admission of having dreams of dancing with Justin Timberlake on more than one occasion will.

A few months ago I was introduced to the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater in Houston by Jessica Walters. I honestly can’t thank her enough for bringing this amazing group of dancers into my life. I have attended a few performances since then, and am hooked. And you will be, too.

Ballet schmallet! This is contemporary dance!  I and love every bit of it. No stuffiness and tutus (ok, there are some tutus!).  Theses dancers are athletes + angels who make physically challenging roles seem effortless. They glide across the floor like clouds, before suddenly jolting to a stop then gracefully sliding into each others arms.  This is sexy. And phenomenal.

In January I had the awesome opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal as the dancers were preparing for their upcoming performance of Bourne-Kylián-Walsh: A Masterful Mixed Repertoire, a mixed rep program featuring various pieces including:  the Houston premiere of the White Swan duet from British choreographer Matthew Bourne’s smash hit Swan Lake;  a reprise of Jirí Kylián’s powerful male solo Double You; and revivals of Walsh’s romantic For the Two of You and his beloved Bello, winner of three 2005 Dance Europe Critic’s Choice awards including best premiere.

What an amazing, intimate experience!  We were able to watch as Dominic and the dancers conceived, edited, and collaborated on the pieces for the upcoming show. Here are some pics of my pictures from the practice, and some much better pictures from Tracy Manford, who’s lusty choice words after attending the rehearsal turned the dancers red-faced.

This Friday, February 13th at 7:30pm at the Hobby Center I will be helping to host the Friday Night Casting Couch performance of Bourne-Kylián-Walsh: A Masterful Mixed Repertoire. The Casting Couch series allows attendees of the performance to join the dancers and Dominic on the stage following the show for drinks and bites.  Click on the image below to purchase your tickets.

Please join me on Friday to experiecne this amazing treat that our city is lucky to call ours:  A night of contemproary ballet with the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.

See you there.

On the occasion of the publication of his new book, Performance, Technology, and Science (New York, PAJ Publications, 2008), theatre director/choreographer Johannes Birringer will address ideas and suggestions for the interrelationship of digital media art, performance, and choreography, show film excerpts from his latest production, Corpo, Carne e Espírito, which premiered in Brasil last June, as well as from Suna no Onna, his collaborative dance work with fashion and interactive/smart garment designers, which was shown at London’s Laban Centre. He will address the recent history of dance and technology and the emergence of interactive art and bio art in an international context of art & science collaboration.

Birringer is artistic director of the Houston-based AlienNation Co. and directs the
Center for Contemporary and Digital Performance at Brunel University, London.
He has created numerous multimedia dance-theatre productions in Houston since moving there in 1987, including Invisible Cities, Ad Mortem, North by South, Parachute, and Mirak, and his digital dance and screen-based works have been shown at festivals around the world, most recently at Dança em Foco (Rio de Janeiro) and Choreographic Capture (Munic0h). He is the author several books including Dance & Cognition, Media and Performance, and Performance on the Edge.

This event is sponsored by Barnevelder Movement/Arts and Dance Source Houston

For more information, call 713-529-1819

I’m so excited to be a part of a the steering committee this season for the fantastic Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.  If you’ve never seen one of their performances, you’re in for a treat.  (Even if you have, you’re still in for a treat. duh.)

An awesome thing the steering committee will be doing this season is hosting the Casting Couch.  With a purchased ticket to select performances, you will be able to attend the cast party, including cocktails and conversations with the dancers on the stage directly following the performance.  (I’m already practicing lines from Center Stage.) I’m a dance movie fanatic. Oh yeah, Channing Tatum.

This Friday night kicks off the 2008-2009 season with William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus at the Hobby Center at 7:30pm.

“I read this play about seven years ago and was immediately drawn to its physicality,” remarks Dominic Walsh, director  and principal of DWDT.  “I am also intrigued by the play’s paradoxical themes and have gathered together the ideal team of designers, musicians, and dancers to investigate how these themes are relevant to the conflicts of today’s world.”

I hope that some of you will join me on the couch this Friday night!

Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 713-652-3938.

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