Danceworks Performance Company is a dynamic group of dancers/choreographers that is committed to creating and performing contemporary dance that is physical, virtuosic, entertaining and honest. Collaboration fuels the creative vision of the company members as they regularly work alongside guest artists, including musicians, poets, visual artists, actors and choreographers. Danceworks Performance Company strives to make its work relevant and accessible to a wide range of audience members by regularly performing and teaching workshops and residencies in diverse communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
> Meet the artists of Danceworks Performance Company
Season 2019-2020
DPMKE’s second performance of the 2019-20 season…
Out of Many < One
Thursday, February 6, 2020 // 7:30pm
Friday, February 7, 2020 // 6pm & 8:30pm
Saturday, February 8, 2020 // 6pm & 8:30pm
The Milwaukee skyline, featured in the beautiful, Jan Serr Studio, provided the backdrop for dances that celebrated the robust and varied landscape of the city’s artists. Danceworks Performance MKE (DPMKE) drew inspiration from a diverse wealth of movers and brought them together with live musicians for a concert experience that was rooted and grown in this community that we cherish. Artistic Director Dani Kuepper, DPMKE member Gina Laurenzi and guest artist Dawn Springer choreographed the evening of dances, set to music by composer, Allen Russell.
>View the full “Out of Many < One” playbill.
>View the DPMKE “Out of Many < One” photo album.
A special event to launch the 2019-20 season…
Revealing the Eclectic Body
Thursday, November 7, 2019 // 7:00pm-9:00pm
at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
We ate, drank, and experienced for the first time Danceworks Performance MKE in an evening of dance, music and mingling!
We welcomed seven new dancers to the season, building upon the strong core of dancers you’ve come to love over the years.
This dynamic ensemble of performing artists came together for a unique event at Saint Kate. The exquisite new Arts Hotel set the stage for an evening of live music, beauty, and fresh perspective.
Guests saw old friends and made news ones – all while getting an exclusive peek at the 2019-20 Danceworks Performance MKE Season!
>View DPMKE’s Revealing the Eclectic Body photo album
Cast of Revealing the Eclectic Body included:
Katelyn Altmann^
Alisha Jihn^
Kim Johnson*
Gina Laurenzi*
Nekea Leon^
Ivy Robertson^
Elisabeth O’Keefe Roskopf*
Jasper Sanchez^
Zach Schorsch*
Maggie Seer*
Gabi Sustache^
Christal Wagner*
Angela Weidner^
Joshua Yang^
Andrew Zanoni*
*Veteran Performer
^New Performer
Season 2018-2019
Against the Grain: The Life & Times of Levi Fisher Ames
ran October 20-21 & 25-28, 2018
at Danceworks Studio Theatre
> View the full Against the Grain: The Life & Times of Levi Fisher Ames playbill
> Meet the artists behind Against the Grain: The Life & Times of Levi Fisher Ames
Levi Fisher Ames was a self-taught woodcarver, a Civil War vet who carved a menagerie of real and mythical animals and took his show on the road. This interdisciplinary piece imagined Levi on his final day, his memories, family, showmanship and his fantastical relationship with the creatures he created. Comic and tragic, poetic and bizarre, Against the Grain explored a veteran’s return, the birth of an artist, mortality and old-time Wisconsin entertainment. Photo: Kym McDaniel.
In collaboration with Theatre MXT. Written by Edward Morgan & John Kishline, directed by Edward Morgan, choreographed by Dani Kuepper, film by Kym McDaniel. The Guest Artist/Collaborator/Actor Fees for this production were sponsored by John Shannon and Jan Serr.
Torch and Glamour: An Exploration of Love and Illusion
ran February 9-10 & 14-16, 2019
at Danceworks Studio Theatre
> View the full Torch & Glamour: An Exploration of Love & Illusion playbill
> Meet the artists behind Torch & Glamour: An Exploration of Love & Illusion
Love is in the air…and going up in flames! Guest artists Andréa Moser and Ryan Cappelman emceed a variety show of hilarious heartbreak that featured Danceworks Performance Company as dancers, singers, rappers, pianists, lip sync artists and more! DPC looked to the audience for advice on love, romance and dance moves. The audience was invited to help us tackle the comedy and tragedy of love and loss in an evening of romance on the rocks. Photo: Jeff Zmania.
Featured guest artists Andréa Moser & Ryan Cappelman. Torch and Glamour’s guests and opening night reception were sponsored by Jane Lewis and Mickey Maier.
Carmina Burana
ran March 15-17, 20-24 & 27-31, 2019
at Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center
Featuring the thrilling music of composer Carl Orff, this cantata takes an unflinching look at of the pleasures and perils of the human condition. Four organizations unite to re-conceive this masterpiece for the intimate Cabot stage as “total theatre,” in which music, dance and words are inseparable. Ages 8 and up. Photo: Christal Wagner.
In collaboration with Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre and Chant Claire Chamber Choir. Directed by Jill Anna Ponasik and choreographed by Dani Kuepper.
Questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact Danceworks Box Office at 414.277.8480 x6007.
Season Photo: Christal Wagner; Subscriber Photos: Paul Ruffolo