Dance North Texas | February — April 2023 Issue

DANCE NOTETHR A X S

FEBRUARY - APRIL 2023 A Dance Council of North Texas Production thedancecouncil.org

INSIDE: In The Spotlight: Diana-Liz Gallego Tyrik J. Patterson is at Dance Planet 26!

Ballet Frontier Finds New Borders Seasonal Performances + More

STUDY WITH THE STARS

SUMMER 2023

At The Dallas Conservatory International Dance Intensive 2023 JUN 5-23 + JUL 24-AUG 11 Choose 1-6 weeks | Beginning - Advanced Ages 8-22 (ages as of July 1) Ballet + Contemporary, plus Pointe, Variations, Pas de Deux, Character and Pilates for upper levels.

YAGP Outstanding School 2016-22

February 12 | Frisco February 19 | Houston

AUDITIONS

February 26 | Kansas City March 5 | Dallas

March 19 | Indianapolis March 26 | Lubbock

Digital Applications Accepted

TheDallasConservatory.org @TheDallasConservatory_Dance

DANCE

FROM THE PRESIDENT...

Greetings, Dance Lovers!

NOTETHR A X S

FEBRUARY - APRIL 2023

It’s almost spring and I’m sure

CONTENTS

everyone is either in performance or

4

rehearsing for one.

THE SPOTLIGHT: DIANA-LIZ GALLEGO

Competitions are in full-swing and many

7

young DANCE PLANET 26: TYRIK J. PATTERSON

young dancers are vying for

prize money or scholarships to help pay for training. Speaking of­—the deadline to apply for Dance Council scholarships for summer study is February 9th, so get those applications in

8

soon. You can apply at thedancecouncil.org.

BALLET FRONTIER: Breaking Boundaries

Dance Planet 26 takes place on April 15th, 2023 and the performance registration site is already open and accepting

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SEASONAL PERFORMANCES

applications. Free class sign-up begins mid-March. This year’s headliner is Tyrik Patterson! The Dallas native now resides in LA. His unique style has been taught on stages including Monsters of Hip Hop, National/International Camps, and many

COVER: Tyrik J. Patterson

studios across the states. Though he enjoys contributing to the classroom, creating and teaching led him to work with names such as Rihanna, Lil Nas X, and Khalid, to

DANCE is published quarterly by the Dance Council of North Texas and is available online. Articles of interest to the community, performance calendar information, letters to the editor, and press releases are welcome.

EDITOR Mair Cawston CONTRIBUTOR Jessica Barber Go to thedancecouncil.org to: Join Dance Council of North Texas or renew an existing membership, sign up for CenterStage, DCNT’s weekly eblast delivered to your inbox each Wednesday, get information about advertising opportunities or donate to DCNT!

Dance Council of North Texas | 3630 Harry Hines Blvd | Dallas | TX 75219 214 219-2290 director@thedancecouncil.org | thedancecouncil.org DANCE COUNCIL SPONSORS THE MCDERMOTT FOUNDATION THE REA CHARITABLE TRUST

TARTAGLINO RICHARDS FAMILY TRUST

name a few. You can see his choreographic work featured on your favorite award shows, music videos, and commercials for artists/brands including Doechii, Kaytranada, NIKE, and more.

If you haven’t signed up for Planet, do so NOW! See you there...

P.S. Don’t forget to check out CenterStage for dance auditions, performances, jobs and more! Sign up here: signup.e2ma.net/ signup/1827774/1782200/. Find us at thedancecouncil.org, on facebook.com/dancecouncilofnorthtexas, and instagram.com/ dancecouncilntx.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TEXAS DANCE EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION’S 2023 HALL OF FAME WINNER

DIANA- LIZ DIANAGALLEGO “Having my life’s work as a dance educator honored by the Texas Dance Educators Association Hall of Fame Award was something I never dreamed possible. All my work as an educator was dedicated to increasing student and community engagement through multicultural dance programs.”

4 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

DCNT: Tell us a little about your life growing up.

DEG: I grew up in Laredo, Texas. At the time, it was the poorest city in the United States, and my family fit right in. Nonetheless, my grandfather declared, “Liz has a talent for dancing. She should have dance lessons.” Even though we had many hardships, my parents never stopped my dance lessons. .

DCNT: Where did you receive your dance training and whom do you credit with having the greatest impact on you?

DEG: My formal dance instruction in ballet and Spanish dance began at the Cantu School of Dance when I was four years old. When I was seven years old, I began ballet and Spanish dance lessons at the Altagracia Azios-Garcia School of Dance. I thought Altagracia was the most beautiful woman in the world. It was then, at seven years of age that I decided to become a dance teacher.

I was extremely timid. It took ten years of dance instruction before I looked up off the floor in a dance recital. However, during the winter break of my 8th-grade year, our dance drill team teacher died. Our substitute teachers didn’t dance; so, I taught the classes during the spring semester. The social capital I received from my peers was transformational.

My modern dance teachers, San Juanita Martinez-Hunter, and Neo Guiterrez, who taught workshops in Laredo, both had doctorate degrees from Texas, Woman’s University. In my mind that legitimized the study of dance.

Professionally, Gladys Keeton my TWU professor, mentor, and friend, had the greatest impact on my professional development.

DCNT: Why did you decide to go into teaching and tell us about your first job?

DEG: As a seven-year-old, I thought it was the perfect job. You get to dance all day and wear beautiful costumes in the recital at the end of the year. I am so glad I finally discovered Ballroom Dance Dallas, a ballroom dance club in Dallas in 2011. I love dancing in beautiful flowing evening gowns. I think my seven-year-old had it right.

During my last semester for my bachelor’s degree, a family contacted TWU searching for someone to complete the dance year for their

mother’s dance studio. I took the job. At the end of the year, the students wanted to continue with me. I rented floor space in a local studio. When I finished my master’s degree, I had 325 students in the Liz Gallego School of Dance which I owned and operated for 18 years.

DCNT: When it comes to teaching dance, what do you think have been your greatest accomplishments?

DEG: While I have received many awards and recognitions, I believe my greatest accomplishment is the depth of understanding that I have gained from teaching children in low socio-economic neighborhoods. The practice of this knowledge has led to the many awards I have received including a Disney Teacher Award and the Texas Dance Teachers ‘Hall of Fame award.

The best demonstration of my success was in 2007 when ninety-one of my Molina High School students performed at Dance for the Planet. .

DCNT: Since retiring, how do you occupy your time?

DEG: While it may seem that I am doing something totally different today. I am continuing the search for understanding that began at W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy in 1991 when I faced the challenge of developing a dance program for children in poverty. Today, I understand that children of poverty, like me, frequently experience stressors that have a lasting effect on the brain.

When I retired in 2016, I was sure I was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s which runs in my family. I went through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) Coaching program, the IFM Bredesen Protocol for the prevention of Alzheimer’s and the reversal of cognitive decline. I also went through the Amen Brain Health Professionals and the HeartMath stress reduction certification.

While studying the Bredesen Protocol, I underwent the recommended testing, and I learned that I did not have Alzheimer’s even though I am at high risk. I had ADHD and PTSD from developmental trauma during my childhood. Since then, I have learned that girls with ADD are frequently not diagnosed.

Following menopause, and without practicing stress reduction strategies, ADD can look and feel like Alzheimer’s.

Today I work part-time at the Abilene Brain Center as a neurofeedback technician and a brain health coach. I strive to educate the public through YouTube videos, “Brain Health Cooking with Diana-Liz” and through public speaking about preventing Alzheimer’s and reducing the symptoms of developmental trauma. Dance and the arts are so important to these endeavors.

Even though I am busy at the clinic, I spend time with my grandson and daughter. I stay active with yoga, Zumba, and progressive western dancing … still dancing and still learning. I believe staying active physically as well as mentally is essential for brain health and for longevity.

5 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

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Photo by Colin Woolums 8 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

BALLET FRONTIER BREAKS BOUNDARIES

by Jessica Barber Chung Lin and Enrica Tseng founded Ballet Frontier with only the money in their pockets and a dream of bringing new, dynamic works of art to the stage... performances featuring young talent, dancing alongside seasoned professional dancers across North Texas, the United States, and eventually the world. After over 10 years of hard work including building both a ballet studio and professional ballet company from the ground up, the Tsengs have seen their dream come to fruition.

Mr. Tseng began his ballet career in his 20s, after competing nationally as a figure skater in Taiwan, joining Universal Ballet in Seoul, South Korea, where he met his wife Ms. Enrica, an Italian prima ballerina with the company. From there, the Tseng’s joined Texas Ballet Theater where they were both featured dancers for many years. Under the inspirational artistic direction of Mr. Stevenson, Mrs. Tseng was given the opportunity to perform some of the most beautiful classical ballets in their repertoire and was selected to perform the title role of Giselle with Carlos Acosta. The Tseng’s made Fort Worth their home and chose to build their ballet school there after retiring from the company. With their own perspective and unique performance experiences, the Tsengs pass their knowledge and experience on to not only their students, but now to their company dancers.

Since its inception in 2009, Ballet Frontier has gone from a youth company with seasoned guest artists taking the lead roles to a company of 24 professionals from all over the world, and 16 dancers in the Trainee and Professional Internship levels. The Youth Company now has the opportunity to perform in all Ballet Frontier productions alongside the professionals.

9 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

her husband Michael Chernov, who generously donated the sets and costumes for the production.

Ballet Frontier’s heart and soul is driven by its directors, the Tsengs, and its dancers. Mr. Tseng’s dedication to the artistry of dance is made clear by his deep connection to the music, precision of technique, and emotion reflected in his choreography. Each of these key components are apparent in Ballet Frontier’s repertoire, which includes unique short story ballets, contemporary works and classical full-length masterpieces such as Giselle, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.

Enrica and Chung Lin Tseng in Korea

This season, Ballet Frontier boasts a company of professional dancers from Italy, Japan, Taiwan, and across the United States. Each dancer is passionate and dedicated to bringing ballet throughout Texas with performances in Fort Worth, Granbury, Waco, and Kerrville. Internationally, Ballet Frontier was invited to perform in Seoul, South Korea in 2017 in a Gala performance alongside Universal Ballet Company and Seoul Ballet Theatre.

Ballet Frontier’s repertoire includes unique short story ballets, contemporary works and classical full-length masterpieces such as Giselle, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. The company’s premiere of The Sleeping Beauty was made possible by the acclaimed American ballerina Gelsey Kirkland and

10 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

This February, Mr. Tseng’s work can be seen in Variations on a Rococo Theme, originally created in 2004 for Texas Ballet Theater dancers. Inspired

by Tchaikovsky’s score, Variations on a Rococo Theme is quick, fun, and encapsulates the music in its entirety. In addition to its return, the program will feature his production of Carmen, in collaboration with Jay Kim and the University of Utah, dedicated to Fort Worth dance legend, Margo Dean. Also included will be a new contemporary work by their friend and colleague Lee Wei Chao. The program combines past and present with works that highlight both the history and the future of Ballet Frontier. The program, Carmen & More! opens Valentine’s Day weekend on February 18th at 7:30 p.m. and February 19th at 2:00 p.m. at IM Terrell Performing Arts Center in Fort Worth. Tickets are available now at balletfrontier.org.

Ballet Frontier is eager to continue pursuing its dream to discover more talent and bring audiences more beautiful masterpieces. Follow Ballet Frontier at Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on all of Ballet Frontier’s future performances including what its next full-length ballet will be!

Ballet Frontier | 6132 Overton Ridge Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76132 | (817) 585-4188 | balletfrontier.org | instagram.com/balletfrontier | facebook.com/ballet.frontier | youtube.com/@ balletfrontier5912

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11 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

AL AN L AKE FACTORI(E)

TRINI T Y IRISH DANC E COMPANY

March 17.18 2023 | Moody Performance Hall

March 03.04 2023 | Moody Performance Hall

ALVIN AILEY ®

GREG MAQOMA’S

VUYANI DANCE THEATRE

AMERICAN DANC E THEATRE

April 07.08 2023 | Moody Performance Hall

April 22.23 2023 | Music Hall at Fair Park

214.880.0202

|

attpac.org/titas

|

titas.org

DCNT scholarship recipient Tori Han photo by LK Studio

scholarships

dance council of north texas

Summer study scholarships for exceptional dancers who demonstrate ability, artistry and passion.

Texas residency not required!

Deadline February 9, 2023.

WHERE VICTORIA BIRO

2014 Denise Gallagher Scholarship | 2015 Buster Cooper Jazz Scholarship 2016 Texie Waterman | 2017 Amber Strauser Scholarship

Victoria is urrently in Zurich performing in the International Tour of West Side Story. She attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and later graduated from Boston Conservatory with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She is a National YoungArts Jazz Dance winner. Victoria recently starred as Val in A Chorus Line, Demeter in Cats, as well as in Newsies, Singin’ In the Rain, Rent, and Saturday Night Fever.

KELSEY CONRAD

2007 Dr Dan & Rosie Scholarship

While pursuing her Dental Degree, Kelsey received numerous awards and scholarships for her talents in various art forms. Her extensive background in classical ballet gave her an irrefutable foundation to build upon as she began aerial training in Utah in 2018 at the same time she started dental school. She quickly began performing as an aerialist, both as a soloist and a duo, for various shows and corporate events nationwide. Kelsey helps others through her work as a dentist, yet it is through performing and the arts that she is able to bring joy and wonderment to not only audiences, but also herself.

KADE CUMMINGS

2016 George Skibine Scholarship | 2017 WinNor Family Scholarship

Kade is currently living in Nürnberg, Germany dancing with the Staatstheater Nürnberg Ballett where he has been a member since the 2021/2022 season. During his time there thus far, he has performed repertory by multiple choreographers and premiered in new choreographic works by Bryan Arias, Joseph Hernandez, and Goyo Montero. The company is currently preparing for the revival of their Stravinsky program which includes Petruschka and Sacre. The 2022/2023 season will round out with a double-bill program including works by various choreographers and lastly, an International Ballet Gala celebrating the company’s 15th anniversary season, under the direction of Goyo Montero, that will include the Nürnberg Ballett and guest soloists from around the world.

CHASEN GREENWOOD

2007 George Skibine Scholarship

Featured in Dancer Magazine as “one to watch” after completing a nationwide tour as soloist with State Street Ballet, Greenwood’s choreography won “Best Young Choreographer” at Regional America Southwest. He worked with artists such as Lady Gaga’s choreographer Richy Jackson and Director Neal Brennan for an Xbox Super Bowl commercial. He began his career performing with LeAnn Rimes, performed in the West Coast premiere of Newsies, and in the musical Casper (national tour). Recent work was choreographer for En Avant produced

by Neutrogena studios and director Sarah Jean Williams-as well as a project for National Geographic with director Roger Fishman. While not teaching packed dance classes, Chasen runs a nonprofit dance company called The Realm Company, which combines contemporary ballet, theatrical themes, stories, and elements such as theater, singing, acting, and fashion.

We caught up with a few Dance Council of North Texas

D

s r t ,

ARE THEY NOW? JONATHAN HARRIS

2011 Elaine Harper Memorial Scholarship

Jonathan spent a year each as a trainee with the Washington Ballet and then a second company member with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the Sacramento Ballet as a company member in 2015 and danced there for the next 4 years. Jonathan currently performs with the Dayton Ballet where he has enjoyed a diverse performance career including Sugar Plum Cavalier in Ron Cunningham’s The Nutcracker, George Balanchine’s Tarantella and Donizetti Variations, and a large variety of ballets by Septime Webre, Edwaard Liang, Brian Enos, Ron Cunningham, Stephen Mills, Ma Cong, Penny Saunders, Adam Hougland, Val Caniparoli, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Jonathan has also performed twice with National Choreographer’s Initiative, and in his free time he enjoys training and racing as an amateur cyclist.

TAYLOR NATURKAS

2018 Denton City Contemporary Ballet Scholarship | 2017 Gloria Whetstone Memorial Scholarship

Taylor began her ballet training at Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet in Michigan and attended summer programs with Suzanne Farrell (Cedars Islands), Chautauqua Institution, Charlotte Ballet, and Miami City Ballet (MCB). Following her summer at MCB School in 2018, she was invited to attend the year round program where she spent two years training. Taylor joined Miami City Ballet as corps de ballet member in 2020 and was promoted to soloist in 2022.

t .

MY’KAL STROMILE

2013 Calloway & Jerry Cochran Scholarship

After graduating from Booker T. Washington High Schol for the Performing and Visual Arts in 2014 and being named a United States Presidential Scholar in the Arts, My’Kal continued his studies at The Juilliard School, under the direction of Lawrence Rhodes. His time at Juilliard further developed his artistic understanding of performance while cultivating his talent as a choreographer. In 2018, Stromile graduated from The Juilliard School, earning the Hector Zaraspe prize in choreography, and joined Boston Ballet. His dancing and choreographic talent has caught the eye of world-renowned choreographer William Forsythe, and My’Kal is beginning his transition from performer to creator. Similarly in 2021, Stromile served as the creative director for the nonprofit organization 1DaySooner on their Boston Vaccine Day campaign, advocating for the safe distribution of Covid-19 vaccination. Stromile is working on his Master’s Degree in Sports Leadership at Northeastern University.

NATHAN VENDT

2011 George Skibine Scholarship

Nathan joined American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in September 2013, became an apprentice with the main Company in December 2014, and joined the corps de ballet in June 2014. His repertoire includes the Butler and Majordomo in Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker and a Fairy Cavalier in Ratmansky’s The Sleeping Beauty, as well as roles in all the Company’s full-length ballets. He created a featured role in Collage & Creed.

s Scholarship Alumni to find out what they’ve been up to...

PERFORMANCES

FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

February 17 - 18. Avant Chamber Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland. Choreography by Katie Puder, commissioned score by Mikayla Dobson, costumes by Ann Boyce, student cast from Dallas Conservatory, and design by Zero Productions create a magical world for all ages. The result shows Avant Chamber Ballet at its best: bringing together world-class dance and live orchestra with enchanting family entertainment.

February 17 at 7:30PM | February 18 at 2:30PM and 7:30PM | Moody Performnace Hall | avantchamberballet.org.

February 18 - 19. Ballet Frontier presents Carmen & More. The program includes Variations on a Rococo Theme, choreography

by Chung Lin Tseng; Endless, choreography by LeeWei Chao; Paquita, choreography by M. Petipa; Carmen, choreography by Chung Lin Tseng and Jay Kim. I.M.Terrell Performing Arts Center, Fort Worth, TX | Details and tickets: balletfrontier.org.

Photo of Tristan Rodney by Kendrix Wesley Photography

February 3. Shades of Black. Join South Dallas Cultural Center in collaboration with Beckles Dancing Company and our partners as we celebrate Black History Month with our second annual Shades of Black program. We will present six works by talented arts professionals as we commemorate a range of Black experiences through the fluidity and power of movement and sound. We invite the community to come and enjoy a selection of dance, spoken word and music in this 2-hour showcase. 7PM | General Admission $20 | Seniors, Students, Members of DCNT or Star System: 10.00 | South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave Dallas, TX 75210 | Event is FREE with Registration.

February 19. Dallas Ballet Company and Dallas Ballet Center present Variation Showcase. 2PM Junior Division | 5PM Senior Division | Granville Arts Center, Garland, TX.

March 3 – 4. TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND Presents Trinity Irish Dance Company. Always more than one expects, Irish step dancing is a fusion of Ireland’s vibrant and longstanding danceform. Adding elements of American innovation, Trinity Irish Dance Company dazzles audiences around the globe with its harddriving percussive power, aerial grace and lightning-fast agility.

Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas | attpac.org.

Photo by Kent Barker

February 17 - 18. Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Cultural Awareness Series. The game of life is reflected in dance through the games we play and the history we preserve. The modern dance classic Games by Donald McKayle takes us back to our childhood nostalgia, experiencing both joy and terror. Tribute by Matthew Rushing, associate artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, pays homage to decades of legendary Dancestors who preserved a slice of life with their classic works.

Gregory Dolbashian is creating a world premiere that explores human behavior in audacious and vibrant ways. The world premiere of Swipe Left by DBDT veteran dancer Sean J. Smith looks at the complicated mindset of a woman desperately trying to find love in all the wrong places. 7:30PM | Wyly Theatre, Dallas, TX. Details at DBDT.com

16 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

Photo by Steven Ray

March 4 and 25. DBDT: Encore! takes its talents across metroplex boundaries by Dancing Beyond Borders pushing the lines of contemporary modern dance. Choreographer Jess Hendricks brought the dancers to the brink of physical exhaustion in the dance Shedding Skin. The soul-stirring Tears of War by Christopher L. Huggins depicts heartbreak through the eyes of victims of war during different periods in American history. March 4 at 7:30PM | W. E. Scott Theatre, Fort Worth, TX | March 25 at 7:30PM | Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. Details at DBDT.com.

moving exploration of grief, struggle and relief.

A requiem that awakens the connection to the departed souls, CION: Requiem of Ravel’s Boléro, draws inspiration from creations by two artists: the character Toloki in South African author Zakes Mda’s novels Cion and Ways of Dying and music from French composer Maurice Ravel’s Boléro.

Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas, TX | attpac.org.

April 22 - 23. TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND Presents Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater. The gifted and gorgeous Ailey dancers infuse energy and emotion to classics and new works alike. Guided by the visionary artistic director Robert Battle, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater remains the nation’s leading modern dance company. Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, TX | attpac.org.

March 17 - 18. TITAS/UNFILTERED Presents Alan Lake Factori(e). A physical dance like a pagan ritual, jostled by images of a powerful scenography, Le cri des méduses both promises and delivers a startling artistic shock. Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas, TX | attpac.org March 25. Texas Ballet Theater School presents P.A.C.E. Showcase. 6PM | Courtyard Theater, 1509 H Ave, Plano, TX 75074 | Tickets at dallasschool@texasballet.org or 214-377-8576.

March 26. Avant Chamber Ballet presents Spring Celebration, a free performance with live music.

The performance will include classical ballet excerpts from Paquita and Sleeping Beauty as well as new works from Katie Puder and Katelyn Doyle. Pianist Anna Bulkina will accompany the dancers from Avant Chamber Ballet and the ACB Trainees. 3 - 4PM | Klyde Warren Park, Dallas | avantchamberballet.org

Photo by Sharen Bradford

April 8. Dallas Spring Arts Festival co-produced by Bruce Wood Dance and The Dallas Conservatory family-friendly event features a diverse lineup of dance and music performances from North Texas artists. 1–5PM | FREE. Klyde Warren Park.

March 26. Dallas Ballet Company presents En Avant. 3PM | Granville Arts Center.

March 31 - April 1. Pegasus Contemporary Ballet presents Synergy, Dallas Music In Motion celebrating the vibrant popular music scene of Dallas with three new choreographic works created in collaboration with Dallas-based musicians.

The production will feature musical talent from across the genres of alternative electronic, jazz/ fusion and Americana, with world premieres by choreographers Diana Crowder, Daniel Ojeda, and Joshua L. Peugh. Moody Performance Hall.

Tickets at pegasusballet.org.

works with powerful athleticism and delicate gestures. Choreographer Takehiro Ueyama created Heroes to honor the dedication and preservation of citizens who played a crucial role in Japan’s recovery after World War II. Katarzyna Skarpetowska choreographed Snow Playground, an abstract work inspired by a peaceful image of swirling snow across a children’s playground. 7:30PM | Moody Performance Hall in Dallas. Details at DBDT.com.

April 22. Contemporary Ballet Dallas Youth Companies Spring Concert featuring performances from Youth Contemporary Ballet Company & Contemporary Tap Ensemble. 4PM | The Eisemann Center, Bank of America Theater.

April 28 - 29. Women’s Choreography Project Avant Chamber Ballet’s season closes with an exciting evening of world premieres and commissions with live music featuring new works by female-identifying choreographers who are under-represented voices in the creation process in the world of dance. The guest choreographer this season is Jennifer Mabus with an additional premiere by ACB Artistic Director Katie Puder.

Ticket price includes a post-performance reception with open bar and appetizers with the artists. Seating limited. Sammons Center for the Arts | avantchamberballet.org.

Charlotte Crawford by Kendrix Wesley Photography

14 - 15 April. Beckles Dancing Company presents Pie/28.2023. 7PM | South Dallas Cultural Center, 3400 S. Fitzhugh Avenue, Dallas. General Admission: $20 | Seniors, Students, Members of DCNT or Star System: $10.

Photo by Sharen Bradford

April 7 - 8. TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND Presents Greg Maqoma’s Vuyani Dance Theatre. The music of Ravel’s Bolero using South African a cappella voices as a musical device creates the incredibly powerful score. A cathartic, yet uplifting and remarkable work, CION: Requiem of Ravel’s Bolero is a hauntingly beautiful and

Photo by Steven Ray

April 21 - 22. The DBDT: Encore! Rising Excellence performance draws on the heritage and memories of Japanese and Polish choreographers who produce

April 29. Bruce Wood 13th Anniversary Performance & Gala. A milestone dance event featuring the choreography of Lar Lubovitch with: the Dallas premiere of Concerto 622 and the return of his jubilant Elemental Brubeck. Plus, the world premiere of Conversing with Brahms, inspired by Piano Pieces by Johannes Brahms, performed live by pianist José Antonio Cubela. A gala dinner and entertainment follow the show. 7PM | Moody Performance Hall. Performance tickets on sale at TicketDFW.com. For gala tickets, contact gayle@brucewooddance.org.

17 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

COPPELL BALLET ACADEMY OF TEXAS

145 Fitness Ct, Coppell TX 75019 972-745-0199 Balletacademyoftexas. com. Director, Tammie Reinsch Professional training for ages 2 ½ - Adult Ballet, Pointe, Pas de Deux, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Tap, Coaching and Professional Preparatory Program.

Alumni performing with national and international companies, including American Ballet Theatre.

Home of Ballet Ensemble of Texas Artistic Director, Thom Clower Balletensembleoftexas.org

DALLAS AVANT CHAMBER BALLET Train for your career, not competitions ACB Trainees - professional training for ages 14 and up. First Steps - low-cost classes for ages 4-8. 2408 Farrington St, Dallas, TX 75207 avantchamberballet.org, info@avantchamberballet.org CONTEMPORARY BALLET DALLAS

Lindsay DiGiuseppe, Director & Owner.

Year round Professional Training in a positive Environment in the Heart of Dallas. Classes for all ages: 18mos-Adult in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, modern, contemporary, creative movement, parent & me; pre-professional program; Youth Ballet, Tap & Hip hop Companies; Largest adult selection of dance classes in Dallas, Located at Central Expressway & Mockingbird Ln. Dallas, TX 214-821-2066 www.contemporaryballetdallas.com admin2@schoolofcbd.com

DALLAS BALLET CENTER

Judy and Brent Klopfenstein, Artistic Directors. 8530 Abrams Rd, Ste 608, Dallas, TX 214.348.3224 dallasballetcenter.com info@dallasballetcenter.com

DALLAS BALLET COMPANY

DBC Tap Connection & DBC Contemporary Company. Judy & Brent Klopfenstein, Artistic Directors. 8530 Abrams Road, Ste 608, Dallas, TX dallasballetcompany.org info@dallasballetcompany.org

THE DALLAS CONSERVATORY

(Dallas and Frisco campuses) Jacqueline Porter, Artistic Director.

Now in its 15th anniversary year, 7-time YAGP Outstanding School Winner offers world-class facilities and instruction for 18 months to Adult in ballet, pointe, 20 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023

partnering, variations, contemporary, jazz, modern, hip hop, theatre dance, ballroom, tap, acro, Bollywood, singing, acting, musical theater, TV/Film and fitness. Our graduates are at Juilliard, USC, and work professionally in dance and theater. Classes for absolute beginners through professional. • NEW Commercial Program ages 8-22 led by world renowned Blake McGrath • Classical Training Program for 14-22, daytime with optional housing • 5 performing companies for recreational and pre-pro students with varying price and commitment • Public Master Class Series • International Summer Dance Intensives at 5 levels • 15 dance studios + 3 voice studios available to rent • Frisco Square, Dallas, Lewisville-Castle Hills locations. //TheDallasConservatory.org

DENTON DENTON DANCE CONSERVATORY

Lisa Racina-Torre, Owner/Director.

Ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, Pilates, Ages 3-Adult. Home of Denton City Contemporary Ballet. 4103 Mesa Dr, Denton, TX 940.383.2623 Director@dentondance.com dentondance.com

FT WORTH BALLET CENTER OF FORT WORTH Artistic Director Enrica & Chung-Lin Tseng. 6132 Overton Ridge Blvd, Ft Worth, TX 76132 817.423.9888 balletcenterfortworth.com balletcenter_fw@yahoo.com

MARGO DEAN SCHOOL OF BALLET

Home of Ballet Concerto. Ballet for all ages & levels, flamenco & Jazz dance.

3803 Camp Bowie Blvd, Ft Worth, TX 76107 817.738.7915 webster_dean@att. net margodeanballet.com balletconcerto.com

TEXAS BALLET THEATER SCHOOL —FORT WORTH

The official school of Texas Ballet Theater offers programs ranging from beginner ballet to elite professional training, ages 3 and up. Classes also include jazz and tap, as well as adult classes. | 1500 Mall Circle, Ft Worth, TX 76116 | 817-763-0207 | fwschool@ texasballet.org | texasballettheater.org texasballettheater.org

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

School for Classical & Contemporary Dance; BFA in Ballet and/or Modern Dance. TCU Box 297910, Ft Worth, TX 76129 817.257.7615 dance@tcu.edu

LEWISVILLE THE BALLET CONSERVATORY

Home of Lake Cities Ballet Theatre Kelly Lannin, Director. 1400 FM 407, Lewisville, TX 75077 972.317.0194. balletconservatory.com lakecitiesballet.org. 4-time YAGP Outstanding School. 4-time YAGP Best Teacher Award

MCKINNEY TEXAS YOUTH BALLET: CONSERVATORY AND COMPANY 901 N. McDonald St, Suite 705.

Boutique ballet conservatory, highlevel ballet training includes pas de deux, men’s program. Frequent guest instructors. Jennifer Dulin, Artistic Director 214-477-9434 texasyouthballet.org

PLANO CHAMBERLAIN BALLET

Pre-professional Dance Company.

Kathy Chamberlain, Artistic Director 1404 Gables Court, Suite 101, Plano TX 214-412-8589 ChamberlainBallet.Org

CHAMBERLAIN SCHOOL OF BALLET Kathy Chamberlain, Director.

Classical ballet, jazz, tap,musical theater, adult classes. 3003W. 15th St, Plano, TX 972.985.1374 chamberlainschoolofballet.com

RICHARDSON TEXAS BALLET THEATER SCHOOL— DALLAS

he official school of Texas Ballet Theater offers programs ranging from beginner ballet to elite professional training, ages 3 and up. Classes also include jazz, tap, and modern, as well as adult classes. | 300 N. Coit Rd. Ste. 231, Richardson, TX 75080 | 214-377-8576 | Dallasschool@ texasballet.org | texasballettheater.org

TOBY’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

Home of Richardson Fine Arts Conservatory. Sally & Don Andriot.

635 W Campbell Rd, Suite 224, Richardson, TX 75080 972.235.0514 tobyschoolofdance@gmail.com tobysdance.com Membership includes discounts at dance businesses including:

CAPEZIOS SANDY’S SHOES & DANCEWEAR UPSTAGE DANCEWEAR Go to thedancecouncil.org to join!

a spring baet SLEEPING BEAUT Y:Act 3 May 25 & 26 at 7pm Eisemann Center

Tickets on sale March 1st

BECOME A DCNT MEMBER TODAY! Membership Levels:

Student $30 (Full-time) Senior $30 (age 65+) Individual $40 Household $75 (2 individuals at the same address) Organizations $90 (studios, schools, dance companies, retail, businesses) Large Organizations $120 ($250 K+ annual budget) Sponsor $100 - $499 Patron $500 - $999 Benefactor $1000 +

Membership Benefits for All Members Include:

• Priority Registration & Discounts to DCNT Performances, Events & Master Classes • Eligibility for Student & Professional Scholarships • Access to Teaching Opportunities • Discounts at Dance Businesses & Select Dance Performances • Free Subscription to DCNT Quarterly Publication • Free Subscription to DCNT’s Weekly E-newsletter, CenterStage • Recognition on the DCNT Website • Voting Privileges at DCNT Annual Meeting (Except Student Level) • DCNT Membership Card • Discounts on Space Rental at Sammons Center for the Arts • Discounts on Select Studio Rentals Around the Metroplex

Membership Benefits for Organization Members Also Include:

• Free Expanded Performance/Calendar Listings in DCNT Quarterly Publication • Free Performance/Event/Job Listings in CenterStage + On the DCNT Website • Free Info Links on DCNT Web Pages; ‘Find a Dance Studio’ + ‘Find a Dance Link’ • Discounted Intensive Listings in DCNT Quarterly Publication • Access to Performance Opportunities, Many with Stipends • Advertising Discounts

LEARN MORE

To join DCNT, sign-up online at: thedancecouncil.org For more information, visit thedancecouncil.org, or contact Mair Cawston at maircawston@yahoo.com, 21 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • FEBRUARY – APRIL 2023