Connexions

Witness the political energy of contemporary dance and pay tribute to the great Burt Bacharach, who died on Feb. 8, as Madison's Kanopy Dance Company welcomes guest dancers and choreographers Lloyd Knight and Jamar Roberts in “Connexions.” Knight will premiere his timely work Commune; Knight will also perform the Roberts-choreographed Born to Love solo, set to Bacharach's “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me.” Also on the program is Lisa Thurrell’s For Persephone ate the Pomegranate and Robert Cleary's Fear is the Enemy. Shows are at 7 p.m., March 9; 7:30 p.m, March 10; 5 and 8 p.m., March 11; and 1 and 4 p.m., March 12.

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Jade Young

Martha Graham Dance Company member Lloyd Knight.

Lloyd Knight, principal dancer, Martha Graham Dance Company.

media release: Connexions features guest dancers/choreographers Lloyd Knight and Jamar Roberts, who are recognized as premiere  voices in shaping the future of American Modern Dance and important artists of color. 

Lloyd Knight presents his  world-premiere “Commune” --- a new work commissioned by Kanopy and choreographed to an electronic mix by the Signal Band -- that deeply resonates  in our society today. How does each of us find a path to community and experience a sense of togetherness or unity? Knight, a principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company, is also a guest Principal artist for The Royal Ballet of Flanders.

Another highlight of the concert is “Born to Love”, a solo to be performed by  the mesmerizing Knight and choreographed by Jamar Roberts, that explores the heightened emotions of love, indelible remembrances, and inevitable loss. It is set to Dianne Warwick’s hit “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me”. Roberts, whose choreographic voice has been described as an “uncommon force and originality” by Dance Magazine , is the Resident Choreographer of the internationally renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in NYC.

Also on the Connexions program is  Lisa Thurrell’s, “For Persephone ate the Pomegranate,” a solo inspired by the Greek myth of  Persephone- the ancient Greek Goddess of Spring and Innocence who was spirited away by Hades to become Queen of the Underworld. The poignant work is set to music composed by the late Vicky Tzoumerka Knoedler-- a composer and founder of the Mesoghios Dance Troupe and honors her art and her memory. Finally, Robert Cleary presents his “Fear is the Enemy”, a  political dance about  the loss of trust and silencing the voice of protest.

Performances are at Overture’s Promenade Hall. On Saturday, March 11, 2023, Lloyd Knight will introduce his works and share comments about the dances at both the 5 PM and 8PM performances. All ticket holders for the 8 PM performance are also welcome to attend a post-concert reception at the Overture Center with guest star Lloyd Knight.

Tickets (reserved seating): $40; Groups: 4 or more $35; Ages 18 & under $20; Students $20: (608) 258-4141 or Overture.org