It's A Guy Thing
Kate Krause
Issue date: 2/26/09 Section: A&E
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Milwaukee choreographer Ed Burgess and Danceworks explore a masculine take on dance in the show A Guy Thing, featuring a number of established and emerging male dance artists.
Burgess explains how he approached Danceworks Performance Company Artistic Director Dani Kuepper with the idea for an all-male performance.
"I thought the idea was interesting. The athleticism is cool, but we also might see a different side to the guys in an all-male show as opposed to in a large production with men and women," says Burgess.
Burgess describes A Guy Thing as "part reunion and part introduction," since the show features many alumni dancers from UWM as well as others who are currently training in the program.
"I intend to introduce some of the next generation of 'guy' talent training in our [UWM] program to the professional dance community of Milwaukee," Burgess explains.
Michael Linsmeier and Marc Petrocci, two dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet Company, will also be dancing in this production along with the UWM male dancers. Burgess describes these Milwaukee Ballet dancers as "two of the most dynamic dancers anywhere."
From the purely athletic to the relaxed styles, A Guy Thing incorporates a wide range of work in its show. Live music is even incorporated into some of the dances. Burgess also promises a few fun surprises in the performance for the audience.
"The spine of the show, and what energizes me about it, is this brotherhood between guys who dance-there's camaraderie there. They all have this incredible ability to move really well, and they enjoy doing it," says Burgess.
Some of the works included in the performance are a duet by Linsmeier and Petrocci, in collaboration with Chicago musician Mark Minelli, in a departure from their work with the Milwaukee Ballet; a quartet to music by The Doors performed by Burgess, John Bielicki, Joe Fransee and Danceworks Performance Company dancer Korey Olivier; a hip-hop piece choreographed by Louis Hurd; and a solo by Burgess choreographed by Daniel Schuchart incorporating text and classical music.
A Guy Thing opens Friday March 6 at Danceworks Studio Theatre, 1661 N. Water Street. The show will run from March 6 through 8, with the Sunday show being a matinee.
Single tickets are $25 for reserved, premium seating, $20 for general admission seating, and $15 for students and seniors. For tickets, call the Danceworks Box Office at 414-277-8480, ext. 6025, or log onto www.danceworksmke.org.
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