Danceworks Performance MKE Collaborates with Milwaukee chamber ensembles to present third and final show of 2022-23: Small But Mighty

April 28, 2023, Milwaukee, WI — Danceworks Performance MKE (DPMKE) takes the stage for their third and final show of the 2022-23 performance season, Small But Mighty. This dance showcase features Milwaukee chamber ensembles Microcosm Ensemble, Black Cat Ensemble, Cosmo Reed Quintet and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. This performance captures the essence of Chamber music, known for its subtlety and intimacy. As the single voice of each instrument stands alone with clarity and delicacy, the combination creates mighty ornamentation and complexity that transports listeners to different worlds. Click here to find a list of the featured music in the show.

Artistic Director Christal Wagner sets new work on the company connecting with the wonder of nature, springtime and the urge to make new what was once stale. Wagner shares, “This dance feels like a reinvention of self and a letting go of what is weighing us down and seeing beauty in what is in front of us or even inside of us.”

A highlight in the show includes a collaboration between Choreographer and DPMKE member Nekea Leon and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Steel Band Ensemble. “As a Caribbean I wanted to honor the lands that gave my family meaning and the steel pan drum does just that.”, Leon states. “The steel pan drum is a relatively new instrument. But even through all the struggle and oppression it has prevailed. The steel pan connects not only a country but a community globally.”

The show also premieres new work by Soloist Elisabeth Roskopf, whose piece explores her experiences of being untethered. Roskopf says, “I am investigating my sense of place between the two worlds that I live in while seeking a permanent connection to my Korean cultural roots.”

Choreographer Gina Laurenzi will so be presenting two new works; Laurenzi sets new choreography on DPMKE as well as directing Danceworks Intergenerational Performance Company (DIPC). Also appearing in the concert is Danceworks Youth Performance Company (DYPC) directed by company member Gabi Sustache. DYPC explores the unique and intricate musical patterns along with speed and precision. Sustache adds, “While crafting this work, Danceworks Youth Performance Company and I uncovered different ways to recreate the musicality within our movement.”

One and all are welcome to this captivating celebration of dance and music in perfect harmony.

Only 4 Performances!

Dates:
Friday, June 2 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 3 – 4:30 PM
Saturday, June 3 – 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 4 – 2:30 PM

Location:
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee, WI

Tickets: Advanced ticket sales preferred. Door sales will be open for patrons.
$35 Premium Seating
$30 Adult
$20 Student/Senior (62+)/Military
Available online at https://danceworksmke.org/purchase-tickets/ or by calling Danceworks Box Office at 414-277-8480

Spring Ticket Sale: Our Small but Mighty chamber music and dance concert is now on sale! From Friday, May 5th through Monday, May 22nd, use the code 2023SPRING10 to receive $10 off your ticket order when you buy 2 tickets together. Make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring performances by Milwaukee’s exceptionally skilled emerging chamber groups and dancers.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.