This spring, Kansas City Ballet invites audiences to experience the thrill of variety with FUSION, a bold and compelling mixed repertory program running May 9-18 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. FUSION features an eclectic collection of short dance works: the playful Tulips and lobster, the groundbreaking In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, the high-energy Celts and the world premiere of hold on tight by emerging choreographer Caroline Dahm. To get the behind-the-scenes perspective, we asked several Company dancers what excites them most about this unique kind of program. Here’s what they had to say:
Alladson Barreto
What I love most about performing in a mixed repertory program is the opportunity to explore a wide range of styles and emotions in a single evening.
Each piece invites us into a different world, expanding our artistry and deepening our connection to the work. It’s a rich, transformative experience, for both dancers and audience alike.
Amelia Meissner
Diversity is the primary factor that draws me to a mixed repertory program. In a single day, a dancer may rehearse four unique pieces that differ entirely, not only in movement quality and physicality but also in the dancers’ emotional portrayal.
It is exciting to perform in a mixed rep and witness how the audience responds to the variety of our art form.
Aidan Duffy
This is my first mixed rep with Kansas City Ballet, and I have been finding the rehearsal process very enjoyable thus far.
Mixed rep programs give dancers the opportunity to utilize different movement styles over the course of a performance, and this specific program has been fun to rehearse as it has allowed me to experiment with putting traditional ballet steps together in innovative ways.
The pieces we are dancing for FUSION are fun because every member of the cast gets to join in on the complex choreography. In addition, dancing in works by living choreographers gives us the opportunity to work with them and learn from their expertise.
Sidney Haefs
Performing in a mixed repertory program is always very exciting! I love a challenge and programs like this come with their own unique set.
Each piece that will be seen in FUSION is uniquely different. As an artist, it has been rewarding to experience the different styles that each work showcases.
These kinds of programs allow us as dancers to push the boundaries of our technique and artistry. We get to show the audience different sides of ourselves that they may not have seen before in programs prior!
PURCHASE TICKETS TO FUSION HERE
Header image: Kansas City Ballet Dancers Kaleena Burks, Cameron Thomas and Whitney Huell. Photo by Kenny Johnson. Design by Savanna Daniels.
All dancer headshots by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
