Middle Schoolers and members of the MICDS community enjoyed a captivating sendoff into spring break through an afternoon of dance, discussion, and cultural exchange with Divadlo Štúdio Tanca from Slovakia, presented by Karlovsky & Company Dance.
Divadlo Štúdio Tanca, Slovakia’s sole professional contemporary dance company with a permanent ensemble, has been a driving force in the nation’s dance scene since 1998. Based in a purpose-built theater in Banská Bystrica, the company creates original, diverse productions for all ages, featuring an international cast from three continents. It is dedicated to fostering artistic expression, providing educational programs, and actively engaging with local and global communities, aiming to be a central hub for contemporary dance in Europe.
On March 13, members of Divadlo Štúdio Tanca began their visit with a special performance for seventh graders. An engaging question-and-answer session followed the live performance. Lower & Middle School PE Teacher Summer Beasley shared, «The company members of Divadlo were excited for this performance as it’s their first time in the United States. Their goal beyond bringing dance worldwide, is to connect with others, bridge cultural divides, and spark meaningful conversations.»
The first dance, which was part of a larger piece entitled Somewhere, We Begin Again, was choreographed to convey the feelings of disconnection and connection. Students asked questions such as «What was this piece supposed to represent?» and «Who made the music?» Divadlo artistic director Zebastián Méndez Marín explained, «The main goal was for the dance to be a conversation between movement and music. The dancers start very separate, and as the dance progresses, they touch and dance more together than apart. Reflecting the relationship we all have with each other.»
Students also asked how the dancers got into dance, how old they were when they started dancing, and how they designed or choreographed the dances. Most company members began when they were little, but not all. Some have been professional dancers for over a decade and some are in their first few years of dancing with a professional company. Some started as gymnasts and worked in other types of dance until they found modern/contemporary as the form to receive their focus. They did not choreograph this particular piece, but said that it takes 6-12 weeks to solidify a routine and involves strenuous practice five days a week for about seven hours a day. When asked «What do you enjoy about modern dance the most?» Méndez Marín shared, «It’s a tool to use for an artistic canvas, open and diverse, like an instrument.»
The company then returned to the stage to perform another segment of the piece, fully demonstrating the concept of disconnection. Once this segment blended into the part the students had seen earlier, their understanding of connection expanded through the nuance of the fluid and expressive movements.
Later that afternoon, they performed again for MICDS community members. Dawn Karlovsky, Director of Karlovsky & Company Dance and the creator of this collaboration, said, «This project contributes to the diversity in dance offered in our Midwest region, serving to educate, promote and share these poignant global perspectives expressed through art that influence our lives and deepen our communication with one another.»
Many thanks to Divadlo for sharing the powerful ways their art and choreography reflect global perspectives that inspire, educate, and deepen our connections.
Karlovsky & Company Dance is a non-profit contemporary dance company based in St. Louis. It is dedicated to creating thought-provoking and visceral dance experiences.
A collaborative performance of Divadlo’s «Tapestry» will be held at the Grandel Theatre March 21–22, at 7:30 p.m.