echo|sphere
Kinetics Dance Theatre’s professional contemporary dance company surges to the stage this fall with its season debut: “Echo-Sphere,” a collection of compelling new work and returning repertory. Under the direction of Artistic Director Lauren Tait, Echo-Sphere presents the company—including 5 new dancers—performing work by contributing artists Elizabeth Higgins, Betsy Romer, Ken Skrzesz, Liz Quinones and George Winchell in addition to Tait.
Elizabeth Higgins, associate professor of dance at Howard Community College, premiers a new work, Driving Dark. Inspired by the music of Amon Tobin, the trio is an exploration of the propelling force and momentum that emerge through cyclical motion. With Brim, Lauren Tait debuts the full company in a sweeping work inspired by cycles and renewal in the natural world: arid to lush, bulb to blossom, raindrop to river. Returning to the stage, Of What Surrounds Me, by former Kinetics dancer/choreographer Betsy Romer, explores the urge to express feelings of joy and gratitude for the blessings found in the natural world and our common, everyday existence. Also returning, Anatomy of Trust, a joint work set on the Kinetics Professional and Apprentice Companies by Ken Skrzesz, former Kinetics Artistic Director and current Executive Director at Maryland State Arts Council, soars to the stage with movement inspired by the work of Dr. Brene Brown: trust is created when we set boundaries, show up as reliable with, and accountable for, our actions, hold confidences with integrity, and are generously non-judgmental. Tait’s Re: Office Memo-URGENT adds a touch of humor, contrasting the rigidly repressive with the vividly unleashed in a fusion of tap and modern dance. The emotionally charged Until Then, Tait’s site-specific film piece conceived and produced collaboratively with cinematographer George Winchell, also returns. Rounding out the program, the Apprentice Company, Kinetics most advanced student group, will premier an excerpt from their winter show.About Kinetics:
Founded in 1984 by Dorothy Fried, Keith Nichols, and Stephanie Simmons, Kinetics Dance Theatre embarked on a mission devoted to the development of contemporary dace as a vital art form within the community through performance, education, and outreach. Today, Kinetics remains a vibrant body of artists, educators, learners, and patrons with three parts work together to form a creative hub. Its professional company presents conceptually engaging concert work while also devoting a portion of its season to free and low-cost family programming in local theatres, schools, libraries, and community centers. Its School of Contemporary Dance emphasizes artistry alongside technique with a core program in modern dance paired with a technical ballet program. A breadth of offerings in many genres for children, teens and adults, as well for specific populations, bring dance to life for those of all ages and abilities. Four student performing companies provide dedicated young artists an opportunity for non-competitive in-depth study, exposure to workshops and guest artists, and a wealth of performance opportunities throughout the community. Kinetics Dance Theatre receives support from Howard County Arts Council through a grant from the Howard County Government, the Community Foundation of Howard County, Maryland State Arts Council (on the web at msac.org), and the National Endowment for the Arts.