DANCE

Kingwood Dance Theatre (KDT) presents Ballet Gala, Sunday, March 6, at 6pm in the Hobby Center -Zilkha Hall.

Kingwood Dance Theatre (KDT) is a pre-professional dance company under the direction of Sheryl Rowland, former professional dancer with the Houston Ballet. KDT has been bringing professional level productions to the Humble/Kingwood community and the greater Houston area since 1985. KDT is a non-profit organization that offers a full-length production of The Nutcracker Ballet each holiday season and a story ballet each spring. During the summers of 2005 and 2008, the company was honored to perform with the Young Tanszommer “Stars of Tomorrow” tour in Austria.

The Ballet Gala performance presents the repertoire of senior members of Kingwood Dance Theatre, as well as the apprentice dancers. The Gala showcases the versatility of the dancers with a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary ballet pieces.

The Gala includes a performance of Rock, Paper, Scissors an innovative contemporary piece which brings choreographer Jessica Hendricks’ passion for movement to the stage. Hendricks’ credits include commercial productions, New York musicals, music videos, and work on the musical tours of Hair, Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar. Hendricks has performed in opening premieres of Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby. She has danced in or been the assistant choreographer to the Elan Awards, Bob Fosse Awards, Ms. America Pageant, Carnival, Dance Break and Broadway Bares.

Kelly Agnew created Move Over for the Gala, a classical ballet piece with a sassy, comical twist which will captivate the audience. Kelly Agnew received her BFA in ballet performance from the University of Oklahoma. She has received accolades for her accomplishments, including the Monticello Female Choreographer Award from Regional Dance America and the Chateau Ballet Award. Agnew is a former KDT dancer and has been involved in training and choreographing pieces for KDT for the last 14 years.

Emerging choreographer Katharine Larson brings puppets and puppeteers to life on stage with a theatrical contemporary ballet piece entitled A Mass of Sycophants. Brenda Kuhn adds flare to the works presented in the Gala with Baile Con Paison, a spicy Flamenco ballet piece.

Known for its unique choreography and commitment to excellence in dance, the Kingwood Dance Theatre is sure to provide an evening of shear enjoyment.

Kingwood Dance Theatre’s presentation of the Ballet Gala will be held on March 6, 2011 at 6:00 pm. at the Hobby Center. Reserved seating is available for $11 and tickets may be purchased at hobbycenter.org or by calling the box office at 713-315-2525.

Pictured above are senior company dancers Hannah Larson, Melissa Boice, Lydia Marbach, Sarah Bowdoin and guest artists Raffles Durbin and Gage Self. Photo provided by Charles Falk.