The Spotlight

Bridge Span's Collapse Underscores 'Structure' Dance Performance

Choreographer Lucy Guerin's modern dance piece, which will be performed Friday and Saturday in Clayton, explores the human response to epic tragedy.

A dream turned into a nightmare Oct. 15, 1970, when a span of the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia, collapsed during construction. Approximately 2,000 tons of steel came crashing to earth, taking the lives of 35 workers in Victoria's worst-ever industrial accident. The tragedy became the subject of Structure and Sadness, a modern dance piece by award-winning choreographer Lucy Guerin that will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Clayton's Edison Theatre. The work explores the resiliency of the human spirit and the physical, emotional and community rebuilding required after tragedy. “I remember being told about the collapse by a teacher, and I remember being very upset,” Guerin said. “When I moved to Melbourne in '88, I …

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The Spotlight

NYC Ballerina Moves to Clayton for Saint Louis Ballet

Vanessa Woods is the newest member of St. Louis' premier ballet company.

On a recent late afternoon, the studios at Saint Louis Ballet in Chesterfield were quiet and empty. The faint brushing sound of a single ballet dancer could be heard coming from the main studio. Inside, Vanessa Woods—one of the newest members of the company—ran through her basic floor exercises. “Nobody makes us come in and practice,” Woods said. “We come in and do it on our own. Everyone wants to be in tip-top shape for our audience next season.” The story of her dedication is told with the grace and fluidity of her movements as she runs through her floor exercises. It's the same routine she has been doing since she was a young girl. Dancers must have the stamina and strength of Olympic athletes. From here, Woods will head to the gym. …

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Get Out

Father's Day Means Dad's a VIP

Put on the Ritz and rev your engines for great ways to celebrate fathers in and around Clayton and Richmond Heights.

There are many great ways to celebrate Dad this year. Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch has these five suggestions: Guys, Grills and Good Health When/Where: Tonight (Thursday) at Mungenast Lexus, Ballwin. Runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Why Go: There will be samples of healthy BBQ foods, grilling tips, and chances to win prizes. Doctors from St. Luke's Hospital will be on hand to answer questions about nutrition and health. Cost: $25 for couples. $15 for single tickets. Call 314-542-4848 to pre-register. Garden Benefit Dance When/Where: Friday, June 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Why Go: This is the garden's time to shine! Dad and his favorite dance partner can dress in in their summer whites and kick up their heels…

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The Spotlight

Bravura Performance Lifts 'Midsummer Night's Dream' To Heavens

Grace Austin's flawless performance as Titania provided the icing on the Missouri Ballet Theatre's rich ballet cake on Friday at the Edison Theatre in Clayton.

It wasn't midsummer, but it did seem like a dream when the Missouri Ballet Theatre presented the classical ballet version of Shakespeare's play at the Edison Theatre at Washington University on Friday night. The production featured a beautiful set, clever choreography and heavenly dancing. The ballet attempts to tell one of Shakespeare's more complicated stories. It involves faeries, a love potion, unrequited love and star-crossed lovers. Of course, everything is rectified in the end, and the characters live happily ever after. In the ballet, the plot is difficult to follow. Don't try too hard. Just enjoy some of the truly excellent aspects of this production. Most notably is Grace Austin's performance as Titania, so stunning it's …

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Christopher Reilly

7:40 pm on Sunday, May 15, 2011

A note from Adam Sage informs me that he is, in fact, the choreographer of the ballet, and that it is a world premier. Kudos to Mr. Sage for his excellent work.   more ›

The Spotlight

St. Louis Festival Presents Ballet, Belly Dancing, Clogging and More

The Clayton event featured 30 dance companies, schools and groups offering St. Louisans a look at rich local dance culture.

The St. Louis 2011 Dance Festival Showcase happened over three evenings this weekend and featured performances by 30 professional dance companies and schools from the St. Louis area. The event at Washington University's Edison Theatre in Clayton is in its 12th year and is presented by Dances of India, the first classical Indian dance company to be established in Missouri. The showcase aims to present St. Louis audiences with the vast array of dance available to them in an effort to increase both interest in the companies involved and attendance at their performances. During Saturday's performance, eleven companies, schools or clubs presented classical and modern ballet, modern dance, Indian folk dance, flamenco, belly dancing and even …

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Patch Underground

Burlesque Dance Studio Hosts Students from Clayton and Beyond

Maryland Heights Patch editor Rob McLean introduces us to Lola van Ella in the first installment of a new series, Patch Underground.

Lola van Ella of VanElla Studios recently talked to St. Louis Patch about the dance tradition known as burlesque. Watch the video to learn more. Some scenes may be unsuitable for children. Want to know more? Places such as Fit Chix Fitness Studio in Clayton offer training in burlesque dance.

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The Spotlight

Carnaval Celebrates Latin Culture Through Dance and Music

More than 150 students from various cultures performed to an enthusiastic crowd in Clayton.

Latin dance stormed into the Edison Theatre on Friday as Washington University's Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) presented Carnaval, a celebration of Latin culture through music and dance. More than 150 students performed 12 dances in traditional costumes. Carnaval is in its 12th year. This year marks the sixth in which it has been held in the Edison in Clayton. It began as a small outdoor performance and is now one one of the largest student-run cultural productions at the university. ALAS does more than put on Carnaval once a year. It works to increase tolerance and diversity on campus and the community through cultural, educational and social activities. But Friday's event was intended to be a celebration, and that's …

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Clayton Student to Vie for Scholarship in Teen Talent Competition

Organizers say the St. Louis-area contest is meant to nurture high school students in the performing arts.

A teen performing-arts competition featuring a Clayton High School student kicks off Saturday in St. Louis. "There are some really talented young people in St. Louis," said Kathryn Ballard, executive director of the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, which is sponsoring the event. The event will initially include performers from 46 St. Louis-area high schools. A total of 180 schools received invitations to participate. Clayton's Rae Warren will perform in the area of spoken word as part of the competition. A panel of teachers chose Warren as the top act at an annual talent show held in the School District of Clayton, Chief Communications Officer Chris Tennill said. The win also made her the district's entry in the event. The …

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Irish Dance Group Visits SSM St. Mary's

The group performed over lunch at the Richmond Heights hospital.

Members of the St. Louis-based Clarkson School of Irish Dance performed at SSM St. Mary's Health Center in Richmond Heights on Thursday in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Here's a look at excerpts from the event.

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Jeff Brandt

2:02 am on Saturday, March 19, 2011

It's hard to pay attention to the footwork with their crazy big hair.   more ›