Kiva Dance Collective Presents Annual Concert

The Kiva Dance Collective, a modern dance company based in Middlebury CT, invites the public to their 17th annual concert. The performance will be held on March 19 and 20 at the LBD Performing Arts Theater at Westover School in Middlebury.

The members of Kiva hail from diverse artistic backgrounds (including modern dance, African, ballet and jazz) and as a collective share the role of choreographer. This creative balance offers a unique presentation designed to inspire all audience members.

The Kiva Dance Collective was founded in 1998 with 6 artists. The company has grown over the last 18 years and has doubled its membership. Current members of the company include, Lily Bodenlos, Mackenzie Buchanan, Meghan Buchanan, Patti Buchanan, Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, Gina Ferrara-Bates, Susan McLain, Rolanda Mitchell-Linton, Valerie Rodgers, Karen Donahue Rossignol, Laura Tortora and Mark Tortora.

This year’s program is an exciting blend of Kiva repertoire and new works. Kiva co-founder Patti Buchanan will be premiering “Living Suite”, a 3-part ensemble piece focusing on our shared humanity and mortality. One dance in the trio, “Sassafras”, brings together a host of small children, guest artists and Kiva members for a dance that spans generations. Former Kiva member Susan Krasnicki Nappi will add Spoken Word to the trilogy with music by Gideon Freudmann. Guest artists include Tatiana Fonseca DaSilva, Eleanor Barisser and 16 year old Brass City Ballet Company member Samantha Austin. Barisser, of Brass City Ballet, will also be performing her own solo choreography.

ATTAK a local modern dance company directed by Cate Craig will join the Kiva program as well. Members Amanda Bartlett, Kelly Blankschen, Lori Hernandez, and Alida Lamagna will improv and perform their own choreography.

Kiva is a Native American term defined as the sacred meeting place in the center of the village. The Collective invites the audience to join their sacred place, as they work collectively, through dance, to share their artistic vision with the community. The concert is open to all people of all ages.

The Kiva Dance Collective Concert will be held on Saturday March 19th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday March 20th at 2:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $15, $12 for seniors and children. Tickets are only available at the door. For further information please visit the Kiva website at www.kivadancecollective.com or contact The Westover School’s Dance Department at 203-577-4560.

Photo Credit: Essennelle Studios