Thursday, June 20, 2013
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Entertainment / Arts Ormao Dance Company works with international choreographer
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Sun, Mar 11, 2012 at 5:24 PM
- Kirsten Akens
- Ormao moved to Spruce Street in June. Now they have space for art showings, and windows for rehearsal observation.
This afternoon Ormao Dance Company held an open-to-the-public dance rehearsal at its 10-month-old space on Spruce Street. Nine performers, including founder Jan Johnson, were preparing for their April concert at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.
The highlight of the afternoon was getting an opportunity to watch international choreographer Billy Chang at work. A former Cirque du Soleil soloist, Chang has been in town teaching at Colorado College and along with his work there, has created a 12-part premiere dance for the company. (The Taiwanese artist isn't new to Ormao; I interviewed him back in 2010 when he choreographed a piece for the company's 20th anniversary.)
Chang doesn't shy away from tough themes in his work; the upcoming show, "Within/Without," is part of the FAC's Resiliance project (see this coming Thursday's paper for more on Resiliance), and emphasizes historic and present economic struggles.
Johnson says that Ormao will host another open-to-the-public rehearsal prior to the FAC debut on April 1. Watch here at the IndyBlog for details as they are finalized.
- Kirsten Akens
- Chang took time out between sets to chat with open house visitors.
- Kirsten Akens
- Chang and a few of the nine dancers, rehearsing the same section ... for the third time.
