Review:
DANCE UNITED
TORNADO BENEFIT
PRESENTED
SATURDAY 8 PM
BY FOUR DANCE
COMPANIES

By Nancy Condit

Perhaps the best thing about Dance United is bringing the four Oklahoma City area's professional dance companies together in a benefit. The groups are Hartel Dance Group's organic modern dance that seeks to connect with the audience on a visceral level,Oklahoma City Ballet's classical and contemporary ballet, Perpetual Motion's cutting edge modern dance, and RACE's jazz, contemporary and hip-hop that seeks "bringing about social awareness and change through dance performances and dance education."

Friday night's excellent dress rehearsal for the Saturday 8 pm gala performance and after party was especially meaningful because of the the people it seeks to help, and the people it empowers by giving and experiencing some catharsis.

The benefit performance, $25 admission, will be at Hudson Performance Hall, 2801 NW 27th Street.

Among the many good pieces was the outstanding "What's love got to do with it?" excerpt, choreographed by Austin Hartel from Hartel Dance Group, and performed by Maggie Boyett and Casey Coy to music by Apocalyptica. It opens with a woman sitting on a crouched man's shoulders facing backwards. As
he rises, their hands are still joined as she stands on his lower back, then sits astride his shoulder. The piece is full of levered and cantilevered holds as he supports her even upside down, requiring balance and great strength from the dancers.

One of the most famous dances in dance history was added to Oklahoma City Ballet's repertoire -- "The Dying Swan," choreographed by Michael Fokine on Anna Pavlova to music by Camille Saint-Saens, and performed with exquisitely fluid arms and good presence by Miki Kawamura. Playing for the dance were Valerie Tatge on the cello, and Peggy Payne from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

Perpetual Motion choreographer Michelle Moeller's "Water Won't Wait" was especially appropriate as the dancers were swept along by the water of long white silk. They were stopped by eddies, swept along, resisted the force, and one dance finally walked along peacefully as though along a stream bed. Music was by Jody Red Redhage, with a good film to be shown tomorrow night -- I saw it at their spring performance -- by K. Edward Osdal. Dancers were Emily Dawson, Maria Krey, Kim Kieffer and Leah Watson.

RACE's "We are all connected," choreographed by Jeremy Duvall to music played by Sweet Disposition, and composed by The Temper Trap, was danced by the company in white chemises with embroidered yokes, in bare feet, extending the company's range to contemporary/modern dance. Amanda Brown, Ashley Beard, Brandi Kelley, Ketelyn Perkins and Melissa Sluice performed the joyous piece.

 A reception will follow the performance at Packard's New American Kitchen. Located at 201 N.W. 10th Street Suite 100, Oklahoma City. Packard's is a new concept with a trendy atmosphere and eclectic menu. Packard's will be donating beer and wine on their beautiful rooftop bar. Donations are suggested and the post-performance event will start as soon as the Dance United performance is over. To enter, please bring your ticket. All donations will also be donated to the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross.

DANCE UNITED LISTS PIECES
TO BE PERFORMED AT
GALA BENEFIT





From staff reports

Soloists from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic will also perform.

The Dying Swan

Choreography: Michael Fokine

Music:  Camille Saint-Saens

Danced by: Miki Kawamura

Cello: Valorie Tatge

Piano: Peggy Payne

Le Corsaire Pas de deux

Choreography:  After Marius Petipa

Staged by: Jacob Sparso

Music: Riccardo Drigo

Danced by: Ellany Abbott and Alvin Tovstogray

Black Swan Pas de deux

Choreography: Marius Petipa

Staged by: Jacob Sparso

Music:  Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Danced by: Miki Kawamura and Yui Sato

Mechanism

(Created especially for this event)

Choreography: Robert Mills

Music:  Jules Massenet

Danced by: Stephanie Foraker Pitts and Amanda Herd-Popejoy

Violin: Sam Formicola

Piano: Peggy Payne

Come see Oklahoma City Ballet's performances along with pieces from Hartel Dance Group, Perpetual Motion Dance, and RACE Dance. 

Tickets are available for $25 at Oklahoma City Ballet offices, 7421 N. Classen Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK  73116 until Friday, June 14, 2013 at 5:00 p.m or by phone  by calling 405-843-9898.  Tickets will also be available at the door starting 1 hour before the performance.  All proceeds will be donated to the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Academy of Dance Arts presents master classes

OSU-OKC Hosts Farmers Market Garden Celebration, All-America Showcase

From staff reports

OSU-Oklahoma City will host the Farmers Market Garden Celebration and All-America Showcase from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at the Agriculture Resource Center located at 400 N. Portland Ave.

The Farmers Market Garden Celebration will include a planter chair display and competition with market visitors voting for the best chair. Anyone who wants to enter the contest can get more information at www.osuokc.edu/farmersmarket. Members of the Traditional Music Association will play during the market, and KTOK will broadcast “Home Improvement” and “The Garden Show” with an on-location live remote.

The OSU-OKC Farmers Market is an opportunity for shoppers to fill their kitchens with the freshest food in Oklahoma. Featuring Oklahoma Grown and made products from more than 30 vendors, the market offers the best the state has to offer including seasonal produce, meat, dairy, certified organic products, a variety of plants and starts, skincare items and artisan items.

Shoppers and visitors are also invited to tour the annual All-America Selections (AAS) Trial and Display Gardens. As the only AAS Trial Gardens featuring both flower and vegetable entries in Oklahoma, the trials are in the running for the coveted title of “2014 All-America Selections Winner.” Combined with trials for seed companies as well as the AAS Display Gardens featuring winners from the past five years of competitions, garden enthusiasts have the chance to see the best plants from the past and future.

“This will be a great day for the entire family to celebrate gardening by coming to the OSU-OKC Farmers Market, touring the AAS Trial and Display gardens, visiting the butterfly garden and getting to vote not only on the best planter chair at the market, but also getting to vote on the plant that could win the American Garden Award,” said Cheryl Camp, coordinator for the Farmers Market.

For the fifth consecutive year, OSU-OKC is one of only 31 select gardens across the nation to be invited to participate in the American Garden Award (AGA), a national competition designed to enable Americans to vote on the flower or plant they think has the most appealing garden characteristics. Everyone is invited to visit the AGA garden just outside of the Farmers Market and cast a vote.

In addition, there will be children’s activities, OSU Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer visitors’ gardening questions and photography buffs are encouraged to bring their cameras. There is no cost for parking or admission. For more information about the event, call 405.945.3358 or 405.945.3326.

Review:
RACE DANCE COMPANY
SEES BEYOND DANCERS'
BODIES TO THEIR HEARTS
AND THE SOULS OF DANCE

By Nancy Condit

Race Dance Company's performance was seamless -- with no lights up and down between pieces, but also close to that in execution. The five year old professional jazz dance company presented a show that was more modern dance, jazz, and sophisticated hip-hop and break dancing than it has been before, with very good results.

"When I see these dancers dance I see their hearts -- their goodness," Hui-Cha Poos, director said at the evening's beginning last Saturday night at McGuinness High School.

"Race-Less...Individuality without Prejudice" continues the company's idea of a "'beloved' community, one where there are no barriers that separate us," from the program.

UCO faculty member Emily South's dance "Love is Color Blind," choreographed and performed by her, was a lovely one of spins to Mumford & Sons' "Sigh No More." Her dance to the song of long of love that increased throughout the piece was accented by her spins in a long layered dress cut on the bias.

The funny "Thrift Shop," done to a song of the same name by A Perfect Circle and choreographed by South, featured Jr. Race and the Men of Race in a dance flaunting what they could get at the thrift store with a $20 bill. For example, a Hawaiian shirt worn over a pair of zebra patterned shorts by a man, and a pair of mud toned stripes leggings worn over yellow starred leggings on a black background by a woman. This hip-hop dance, done mostly in unison, was definitely all about the clothes.
The Men of Race peerformed "Same Love" to Maclemore's song of the same name, in which a young man tried as early as the third grade to figure out whether he was gay or not. The clap along dance explored stereotypes in the song and dance, and ended to the lyrics "They'll be no freedom until we're equal." They were met with loud applause.

Classic cool jazz dancing was the center of "Take Self," to "Take 5" by Dave Brubeck with Brian Barry's choreography. Race danced in black leotards, stockings and 70's style fedoras. And they were cool, even as two dancers with natural gauze dresses spun around them.

Choreographers and dancers John Ariete and Brandon Graves set "Going In" for the Men of Race in red
lighting at the beginning. While Ariete and Graves started the dance in pop and lock hip-hop, it was a more sophisticated style than they've presented before.

"Brain Dance," choreographed by Emily South, and "Presence," choreographed by Kiki Lucas - a more classical lyric dance, were both well performed by Race.

The company was much more sophisticated than in earlier performances, perhaps presenting all the styles that the company can do. It was very enjoyable.

OKC'S DANCE COMPANIES
PERFORM FOR
TORNADO RELIEF

By Nancy Condit



Oklahoma City's professional dance companies, Hartel Dance Group, Oklahoma City Ballet, Perpetual Motion Dance and Race Dance, will perform in a gala Saturday, June 15 at 8 p.m. in the newly redone and renamed Hudson Performance Hall in Northwest Classen High School, 2801 N.W. 27th Street.

Hartel Dance Group, Oklahoma City Ballet, Perpetual Motion Dance and Race Dance are
joining their talents in a one night performance to help those affected by the recent tornadoes.
All proceeds will be donated to the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Dance United will include signature and new dance works performed by all four dance companies in one gala performance to raise funds for the affected areas hit by the May 19 and 20 tornadoes in Central Oklahoma.

 

"Our thoughts are with everyone in Oklahoma who have been affected by the recent devastating tornadoes," said, Michelle Dexter, Artistic Director, Perpetual Motion Dance. "Oklahoma in general is a tight knit community, and the local dance scene here in Central Oklahoma is strong.  We wanted to do something to help raise funds for those affected and to help us all heal," said Robert Mills, Artistic Director of the Oklahoma City Ballet.

Tickets are available for $25 at Oklahoma City Ballet offices until 5 p.m. Friday, and one hour before
the performance at the door. Call 843.9898 to reserve tickets.

A reception will follow the performance at Packard's New American Kitchen. Located at 201 N.W. 10th Street Suite 100, Oklahoma City, Packard's is a new concept with a trendy atmosphere and eclectic menu. Packard's will be donating beer and wine on their beautiful rooftop bar. Donations are suggested and the post-performance event will start as soon as the Dance United performance is over. To enter, please bring your ticket. All donations will also be donated to the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Award-Winning Red Earth Festival Celebrates Native American Art and Dance

Red Earth Festival From Cityprofile.com

Posted by Eric Oesch of Red Earth 

            When the 27^th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival opens at the Cox Convention Center Friday June 7, 2013 in downtown Oklahoma City, OK, more than 1200 American Indian artists, dancers and singers from throughout North America will gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world.  For three exciting days Oklahoma City will be at the center of Native American art and culture in America as more than 30,000 people gather to celebrate.

            Through the years Red Earth has matured into one of the most respected visual and performing arts event of its type – setting the standard for many of today’s Indian art shows held throughout the nation.  USA TODAY has named the Red Earth Festival one of 10 Great Place to Celebrate American Indian Culture.     
            The Red Earth Art Market opens Friday, June 7 at 11 am and the first Grand Entry of dance competitors begins at noon inside the Cox Convention Center Arena.  Grand Entries are scheduled at noon and 7 pm Friday and Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.  The event is funded in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council.
           Tickets to attend the Red Earth Festival are $10 adults, and $7.50 seniors, youth, and Military Veterans with a valid ID.  Children 5 & under are free. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased online at in person at the Cox Convention Center box Office.

RACE DANCE COMPANY
PERFORMS HIP HOP AND
JAZZ WITH RAPPER JABEE
THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY




By Nancy Condit

Let us take you behind the scenes at our Race-Less Tech Rehearsal this week. Enjoy!

http://ow.ly/lMVvE    Video from Zach Amen and ManiA Entertainment Productions.

Junior Race, the Men of Race and lovely ladies of Race Dance
will perform this weekend. Photo provided

Race Dance Company, the only professional jazz dance company in Oklahoma, is full of energy, enthusiasm, and good hip-hop and jazz.

"Join us as we spread messages of anti-bullying, karmic energy, individuality without prejudice, and self-acceptance on June 7th and 8th at 7:30 p.m. at Bishop McGuinness High School," writes co-director Hui Cha-Poos.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and $8 for children five and under or at www.racedance.com.   

Race-lessWorkshop 

Come experience dance through the eyes & bodies of the Race Dancers. Learn rep from the show and be a part of the atmosphere of professional dance in Oklahoma.

The first 20 dancers to register receive a free ticket to Saturday night's performance of Race-less.

Bring your Friday night ticket & we will give you $10 off the workshop!!
Here is the schedule :
Levels: Room 1: 9-13/Intermediate Room 2: 14-18/Advanced
Race Dance Workshop

When: Sat. June 8th
9:00 Registration 9:30 Warm Up 10:00 Class 10:00-2:00

Where: Bishop McGuinness High School Studio, 801 N. W. 50th Street.

Who: Race Dance Company

What: Full day of classes offering Race-less rep

Cost: $50 for the day or $20 per class.
Day workshop rate available online at www.racedance.com on Race-less workshop page

Levels/age recommendations: Room 1: 10-15/Intermediate Room 2: 15-up/Advanced

Race Dance Workshop
TIME Jr. Room Sr. Room
9:00 Registration/Check in
9:30 Warm Up
10:00 Class 1 Class 1
11:00 Class 2 Class 2
12:00 Lunch Lunch
1:00 Class 3 Class 3

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH --

STARTING JUNE 10TH --
AT RALPH ELLISON LIBRARY

From staff reports

            Celebrate Juneteenth at the Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 N.E. 23^rd Street, with a variety of programs for the entire family.

The festivities start on Monday, June 10 with “An Old School versus New School Talent Show” from 4:00-9:00p.m.

“We’re partnering once again with Empower People, Inc. to encourage people to put their talent on display,” said Ralph Ellison Library’s LaWana Morgan. “The show is divided into two divisions. Old School participants are aged from 35 to 80, and New School talents are from 6-34. Thanks to the remarkable talent we’ll have on display, the audience should have a great time.”

On Tuesday, June 11, there will be a film screening from 6:00-8:00p.m., and on Thursday, June 13, the library is sponsoring a panel discussion on Dr. Martin Luther King’s Letter From Birmingham Jail from 6:00-8:00p.m.

The celebration concludes on Saturday, June 15, with Juneteenth at Washington Park from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

The Ralph Ellison Library Juneteenth events are free and open to the public. Call the library at 424-1437 for details, and for information about this or any Metropolitan Library System program, visit the MLS website, www.metrolibrary.org.

CHARLIE CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES TO BE RESCHEDULED -- SATURDAY BRUNCH IS ON

From staff reports

Mark Temple, Chairman of the 2013 Charlie Christian Festival, announced the updated schedule of events that will take place during the weekend of the festival.  The “Feel Deep Deuce Brunch” scheduled at Urban Roots, 322 NE 2^nd Street from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. is on schedule for Saturday, June 8^th.  There will not be an admission charge.  The music will be provided by “Miss Muffy and Friends” and Deep Deuce stories with author, Anita Arnold. 

Other events at the Bricktown Ballpark are being re-scheduled for a later date because of complications arising from the recent tornadoes and flooding.  “While Saturday and Sunday may look like perfect days, the recent and continued rains have inhibited our ability to properly stage and produce the concerts.  The public will be notified of the re-schedule of these programs,” Temple stated.  “Expectations are that the concerts will most likely be scheduled later this year or early fall,” he concluded.  Ticket buyers can get refunds by going to outlets where they purchased or they may hold on to their tickets which will be honored at the re-scheduled events.

For more information, check the Charlie Christian website at www.charliechristianmusicfestival.com or call (405)524-3800. 

RACE DANCE COMPANY
PERFORMS HIP HOP AND
JAZZ WITH RAPPER JABEE
THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY

From staff reports

"Take a look at our culture through the eyes of acceptance," invites

 

Rapper Jabee, photo provided

members of Race Dance Company, Men of Race and Jr. Race
as they perform "Race-Less," with special musical guest Jabee. In their final concert
of the season, dancers mix contemporary, jazz, hip hop and music theatre
for an entertaining evening of thought provoking fun.

Race is the only professional jazz dance company in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma City Rapper Jabee will open the show with a performance, sharing
his story and where he came from.

"Join us as we spread messages of anti-bullying, karmic energy,
individuality without prejudice and self-acceptance on June 7th and 8th at
7:30 p.m. at Bishop McGuinness High School," writes co-director Hui Cha-Poos.
Tickets can be purchased online at racedance.com or at the door: $15 for adults,
$10 for students and $8 for children five and under.  Online tickets are $12.

 About Race Dance Company

Race Dance Company was created by Hui Cha-Poos in 2008 with 6 original
members and has grown to 40 dancers. Over the years, Race Dance Company
produced and participated in over 50 performances throughout the city. In
2010, the company was selected as one of the Gazette’s top 5 performance
companies in Oklahoma.  In 2011, they received the Great Inspirations Award
from Creative Oklahoma. Race as an acronym stands for Radical Application
of Creative Energy and is Oklahoma’s first professional Jazz/Hip
Hop/Contemporary Company.  In 2011, Race became an official 501(c)(3)
Non-Profit Organization.
Director and Producer: Hui Cha Poos

Choreographers: Hui Cha Poos, Kim Loveridge, John Ariete, Jennifer
Martinez Stevenson, Tasha Hinex, Brandi Kelley  Guest
Choreographers:Jeremy Duvall, Christina Woodard, KiKi Lucas, Brian
Barry

Race Dancers: Sarah Henry, Audrey Johnston, Amanda Beard, Melissa Sluice,
Allison High, Katelyn Perkins, Chanel Roland, Sheri Hayden, Brandi Kelley,
Gina Yannarell, Jamie Crone, Ashley Brown, Sami Kropp, LaKeysta Tipton,
Tasha Hinex (Dance Captain), Hui Cha Poos and Jennifer Stephenson Directors.

Men of Race Dancers: Brandon Graves, Zachary Aman, Bryan Beaver, James
Mayfield, Dominick Brown, Stephen Wafer, Jeremiah Walton, Shandrick
Griffin, Esteban Munoz, Christopher Shepard, Eugene Smith, John Ariete
Director

Junior Race Dancers: Jenni Rader, Genna Ille, Rachel Runnels, Taylor
Foster, Sam Weaver, Adriana Castillo, Kellie Lail, Mercedes Cossett,
Natrina Glover, Jordan Siress, Kylee Ford, Nancy Rance, Kyera Franklin,
Allison Cole, Danielle Nickell, *Kim Loveridge and Emily South Director.

*Special Guest:  Jabee *