Author: Claire Christine Spera

Invoke String Quartet Brings “Folky Classical” to Austin

Take one look at Invoke’s website and it’s clear they’re not your typical classical string…

Forklift Danceworks Dives into Austin’s Public Pools

June 25, 2017

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Forklift Danceworks Dives into Austin’s Public Pools

It only takes one summer in Texas to feel the heat, and the City of…

Midsummer Offerings: Performa/Dance’s third annual mixed bill evening

May 19, 2017

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Midsummer Offerings: Performa/Dance’s third annual mixed bill evening

When Jennifer Hart founded Performa/Dance in 2014 with Ballet Austin dancer Edward Carr, she wanted…

On Key and Offbeat: Austin’s Lone-Star Station KMFA Turns 50

May 11, 2017

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On Key and Offbeat: Austin’s Lone-Star Station KMFA Turns 50

When it comes to Austin’s 50-year-old radio station, KMFA Classical 89.5, it’s almost better defined…

Eclectic and Equal: W-I-P offers San Antonio movement artists critical feedback

January 17, 2017

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Eclectic and Equal: W-I-P offers San Antonio movement artists critical feedback

Frustrated by the awkward process of giving and receiving critical artistic feedback, dance/theater legend and…

Honoring Texas Artists: The Texas Medal of Arts Awards come to Austin

January 11, 2017

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Honoring Texas Artists: The Texas Medal of Arts Awards come to Austin

You may be hard-pressed to explain what ZZ Top, Eva Longoria, Willie Nelson and Walter…

Altered Reality: Pilobolus brings <em>Shadowland</em> to Texas

December 1, 2016

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Altered Reality: Pilobolus brings Shadowland to Texas

Even if you’re never seen Pilobolus in concert before, you’re probably familiar with the acrobatic…

Animated Dance: <em>The Proximity of Being</em> at Luminaria

October 24, 2016

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Animated Dance: The Proximity of Being at Luminaria

For San Antonian Barbara Felix, the human form is a never-ending source of fascination.

The Dance of Work: Forklift Danceworks reflects on past projects and looks to the future

September 27, 2016

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The Dance of Work: Forklift Danceworks reflects on past projects and looks to the future

Convention is not a part of Allison Orr’s vocabulary. The Forklift Danceworks artistic director has…

When Worlds Collide: Houston Ballet’s new <em>Giselle</em> overlaps the worldly and the ethereal

June 16, 2016

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When Worlds Collide: Houston Ballet’s new Giselle overlaps the worldly and the ethereal

In traditional versions of Giselle, the worlds of the living and the dead are separated…

Compose It: How Graham Reynolds became Austin’s go-to composer for theater, dance and film

March 6, 2016

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Compose It: How Graham Reynolds became Austin’s go-to composer for theater, dance and film

Even if you’re unfamiliar with Graham Reynolds’ name, you’ve probably heard his work — he…

Houston Ballet’s <em>Sleeping Beauty</em> a Visual Feast

March 4, 2016

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Houston Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty a Visual Feast

The Sleeping Beauty is one of the classical ballet’s most technically difficult yet visually dynamic…

Free & Fabulous: Fusebox Festival Promotes Idea Exchange Across Disciplines and Borders

February 18, 2016

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Free & Fabulous: Fusebox Festival Promotes Idea Exchange Across Disciplines and Borders

If you can dream it, you can do it: This seems to be the unofficial…

December 23, 2015

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BODYTRAFFIC Makes Texas Debut

The new year brings something fabulously new to Texas: BODYTRAFFIC, a Los Angeles-based contemporary dance…

Theater Imitates Art: McNay Museum Exhibition Highlights Influence of Art on Theater

November 2, 2015

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Theater Imitates Art: McNay Museum Exhibition Highlights Influence of Art on Theater

If you were asked to design sets and costumes evoking 16th century Italy, where would…

Sunset at White Oak Bayou and Framing Dance: Karen Stokes Dance Celebrates Houston

October 8, 2015

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Sunset at White Oak Bayou and Framing Dance: Karen Stokes Dance Celebrates Houston

“I think in order to make my best work, I have to fall in love…

Fall Dance at Miller: Great Performances in the Great Outdoors

September 8, 2015

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Houston

Fall Dance at Miller: Great Performances in the Great Outdoors

Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre is truly one-of-a-kind.

Moving Back to Move Forward: Dancestry Illuminates Modern Dance History

August 18, 2015

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Moving Back to Move Forward: Dancestry Illuminates Modern Dance History

Isadora Duncan, Loïe Fuller, Erick Hawkins: Dance aficionados recognize these late choreographers as having played…

Choreographic Connections: MacMillan, Bruce and Smith open Houston Ballet’s Fall Season

August 17, 2015

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Choreographic Connections: MacMillan, Bruce and Smith open Houston Ballet’s Fall Season

The relationship between a dance company and a choreographer is a delicate thing.

August 4, 2015

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Moving Forward: 50 years of Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp is undoubtedly one of the most important and influential choreographers of our time.

NobleMotion Dance Circles The Eye of the Storm

June 22, 2015

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NobleMotion Dance Circles The Eye of the Storm

Are you ready, Houston? Another storm is blowing through, and this time, NobleMotion Dance is…

Kathy Dunn Hamrick Explores The Road More Complicated

June 2, 2015

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Kathy Dunn Hamrick Explores The Road More Complicated

Austin-based modern dance choreographer Kathy Dunn Hamrick knew it was time to take the road…

April 21, 2015

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Seeing Sound

Houston Ballet’s Morris, Welch & Kylián Brings Music into Motion

A Stunning Romeo and Juliet at Houston Ballet

March 16, 2015

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A Stunning Romeo and Juliet at Houston Ballet

Houston Ballet’s new production of Romeo and Juliet is a three-act ballet of striking contrasts.

January 30, 2015

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Love Stories

Two New Ballets in Texas

December 4, 2014

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In Flamenco

I danced my first solo when I was 10 years old, in a flamenco competition…

Tapestry Dance Company refreshes with new troupe members

October 10, 2014

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Tapestry Dance Company refreshes with new troupe members

Although Austin’s Tapestry Dance Company is entering its 26th season

Houston Ballet’s “From Houston to the World” Offers Range and Polish

September 25, 2014

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Houston Ballet’s “From Houston to the World” Offers Range and Polish

In traditional classical ballet, the corps de ballet is, more often than not relegated to…

Houston Ballet Soars in John Neumeier’s Otherworldly Midsummer Night’s Dream

September 9, 2014

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Houston Ballet Soars in John Neumeier’s Otherworldly Midsummer Night’s Dream

Two smooth bodies, outfitted in glittering unitards

February 4, 2014

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HATCHing social change through art

Ann Beeson is an accomplished social justice lawyer who could never shake her belief in…

February 3, 2014

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Carbon and Glass

Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills is no stranger to Philip Glass’ music, nor to…