Owensboro Dance Theatre is already gearing up for their 41st season, dubbed “Passion for Motion.” The nonprofit’s company, apprentice company, and community members will combine to offer three concerts: The German American Bank Nutcracker, Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline presents “Dance Battle Extravaganza,” and In Concert featuring Descendants…Better Together.
The season begins with ODT’s crowd-pleasing and typically sold-out December performance of The Nutcracker. Two community performances are available, along with the ever-popular school performances the week before. The audience will join in as Marie and her Nutcracker Prince battle the Mouse King and later arrive in the Land of Sweets on a magical bed. Here dancers will perform to classic Tchaikovsky arrangements, including the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
This Christmas favorite is performed with many company members taking lead roles.
“It’s so surreal to watch older dancers perform the Nutcracker, then to be the parts they once were,” said senior Anna Manqueros. “The Nutcracker is such a classic. Even after years of listening to the music and performing the pieces, I am still not tired of it. The Nutcracker is truly something the company members look forward to each and every year.”
A week later, the winner of the third-annual “Oh, Christmas Spree 50/50 Cash Raffle” will be announced on Facebook.
In February, the “Dance Battle Extravaganza” returns as a fundraiser for ODT. The first act will showcase ODT dancers, along with the renowned professional jazz dance company Giordano Dance Chicago, which brings its powerful style of dance to the RiverPark Center stage.
The second act will highlight local talent as the battles take center stage. Interested community members can contact ODT to inquire about competing in this entertaining show with the chance to be crowned the Dance Battle Grand Champion and win $1,000.
Less than a month later, dancers will perform in the season finale of In Concert featuring Descendants…Better Together. This new show brings the magical and mystical fairytale world of the Disney hit movie franchise to the stage. Along with ODT company and apprentice company members, professional guest artists who co-choreographed the program and many local community members will perform. School performances and two full-length shows are available for this program.
Natalie Lopez, ODT assistant artistic director, said that when choosing Act II of the spring concert, the adaptability to dance and music along with age-appropriateness comes into play.
“When Descendants was mentioned, a light bulb went on in our heads,” she said. “The music is fabulous, ODT owns many of the appropriate costumes and, more importantly, the movie in 2011 was adapted from the novel written by Kaui Hart Hemmings, makes the creative process more interesting.
The night before, ODT will host “It’s Going Down” in the lobby of the RiverPark Center, which includes games, desserts, dance contests and more.
Owensboro Dance Theatre is the only 501c3 professional dance company in western Kentucky as well as the only dance company in western Kentucky with dance therapy programs dedicated to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and individuals with disabilities. The Kentucky Arts Council supports ODT with state and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Fundraising events raise funds to provide free tickets to future performances and community outreach through ODT’s Triple A and Arts Access programs.
Season tickets can be purchased for $100, a $30 savings for the concert series. Tickets are on sale for current season ticket holders, and regular season tickets go on sale June 1 until Oct. 1.
Season tickets may be purchased by emailing [email protected] or calling 270-684-9580. Information can also be found at their website. All concerts are held at the RiverPark Center.
Owensboro Dance Theatre 22’-23’ Schedule
“he German American Bank Nutcracker
- Dec. 1 School Performance 9:30 a.m.
- Dec. 2 School Performance 9:30 a.m.
- Dec. 3 The German American Bank Nutcracker 7 p.m.
- Dec. 4 The German American Bank Nutcracker 3 p.m.
- Dec. 10 50/50 Raffle Drawing (FB Live)
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline presents “Dance Battle Extravaganza”
- Feb. 18 7 p.m.
In Concert featuring Descendants…Better Together
- Mar. 16 School Performance 9:30 a.m.
- Mar. 17 School Performance 9:30 a.m.
- Mar. 17 “It’s Going Down” party 6 p.m.
- Mar. 18 “In Concert” 7 p.m.
- Mar. 19 “In Concert” 3 p.m.
