15 minute read
A RESILIENT SPIRIT
LOUISVILLE BALLET’S KENTUCKY! VOLUME 1 UNVEILED
ouisville Ballet’s first-ever digital production is all about smashing misconceptions and preconceived notions about Kentucky and the art form itself. A story nearly three years in the making and the first of a three-part series, the original ballet Kentucky! Volume 1 weaves together past and present stories of the Commonwealth to shine a light on the resilience and creativity that are integral to Kentucky’s spirit — but often go unseen by L the rest of the world. Rooted in history and leaning toward the romantic, the production uses Kentucky as a backdrop to tell stories of human connection — even in this strange time when remaining safely connected seems harder than ever.
Kentucky! Volume 1 was originally scheduled to be the final live performance of the ballet’s 2019-20 Season but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Now, the show will take place on the digital stage — a major pivot for the ballet, but, in the eyes of both the dancers and the organization’s artistic leadership, a necessary one.
DISPELLING MISCONCEPTIONS
When Louisville Ballet Artistic Director Robert Curran moved to Kentucky in 2014, he did not have the highest of expectations. Long considered a pass-through or flyover state, he had not really heard much about Kentucky other than a few throwaway comments that gave him a perception of what he could expect — which was, not much.
It wasn’t until he arrived and started exploring that he keenly felt the incorrectness of his preconceived notions and experienced “the richness, joy, heartbreak, resilience, and strength of the people throughout time who have made Kentucky what it is today.”
Kentucky! Volume 1 is born out of that experience and comes from the minds of Curran and marketing director Natalie Harris, a Kentucky native who has been on the receiving end of the misconceptions that the show challenges.
“After really falling in love with this place, I felt there was a unique opportunity to create some art with local collaborators and residents that could go even just part of the way toward dispelling some of these false perceptions,” Curran says.
Dipping in and out of time — ranging from one family’s 1780s arrival at Pine Mountain to our COVID-affected present day — the ambitious ballet is the first of a three-part ballet cycle. Using four families as the backdrop, it highlights untold stories of Kentucky, creatively addressing key moments in history and challenging misconceptions that have long persisted. While fictional, the characters and their stories are based on extensive research, and the story grapples with the ever-topical issues of race, culture, religion, and identity, in hopes of answering the question of what — and who — makes a place.
FACING REAL CHALLENGES
As fate would have it, the challenges of producing the piece itself would provide an opportunity to display the resiliency that Curran and Harris hoped to express. When COVID-19 first hit, Kentucky! Volume 1 was just weeks from hitting the stage after years of planning, dreaming, and creating.
Louisville Ballet Company Dancer Brandon Ragland from Kentucky! Volume 1. 2020 photo by Aaron Borton.
Louisville Ballet Company Dancers Natalia Ashikhmina and Mark Krieger (background) from Kentucky! Volume 1 2020. Photo by Shelby Shenkman. Louisville Ballet Company Dancer Erin Langston Evans from Kentucky! Volume 1 filming 2020. Photo courtesy of KERTIS Creative.
“In so many ways, the current time makes this story even more relevant now than it was six months ago,” Harris says. “The means by which we are telling this story is testing our personal resilience and flexibility.”
For Curran, taking the production to the digital stage was a no-brainer, and the opportunity to do so is what he refers to as the “lemonade” in a year during which life has given many a lemon.
“Digital dance has been something I’ve been interested in and inspired by for a long time,” he says. “It really opens up the door to so much reach, more diversity and collaboration, greater efficiency, open communication channels, and so much more.” He and Harris agree that the show is perfect for this medium — as some of the more complex storylines and nuances may translate even better on film.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
One of the company’s main hopes is that the ease of digital interaction will mean those outside of their traditional theatregoing audience will get involved. They hope patrons will step away from what they perceive to be their “comfort zone” with the arts and experience something new. In doing so, this digital performance seeks to tackle another of the misconceptions that Curran is passionate about breaking down — that ballet is for only a set group of people of a certain status.
The show celebrates the diversity that contributes to Kentucky’s unique culture; and the digital platform allows the art to be more accessible to any audience, transforming the traditional idea of what ballet is and who it is for.
While much of the show had to be adjusted and reimagined for this new platform, Curran says the creative side of things was the least trying during the pivot process.“As artists, we adapt,
Louisville Ballet Company Dancers Brandon Ragland, Justin Michael Hogan and Trevor Williams from Kentucky! Volume 1. Photo by Shelby Shenkman.
we’re flexible, we create new things — that’s just what we do,” he says.
However, the practical elements that go into creating an entirely digital season — while ensuring the health and safety of all involved — have proven to be the more complicated part of the process.
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
The Louisville Ballet is committed to providing a safe space for staff, dancers, and audience members to create and consume art. It was the leading factor in the organization’s decision to take its entire 2020-21 season to the digital stage. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has provided unique challenges to the rehearsing and filming process — in everything from costuming to staging and beyond.
Seemingly simple things like wearing face masks creates new challenges for both dancers and costume designer Alex Ludwig, who embraced the opportunity to find creative ways to weave the masks into the costumes to reflect the changing time periods represented throughout the show.
The dancers have learned to alter their endurance-based stage performances to the more subtle and stop-and-go style of film. They have also embraced this as an opportunity to put a little more into each and every motion without running the risk of depleting the energy tank that they depend on to get them through the rest of the performance.
As part of the ballet’s COVID-19 protocol, masked dancers rehearse and perform in groups of no more than 10 at a time, with frequent breaks during which the air in the studio is circulated. Dancers and staff have also made many sacrifices in their personal lives to allow for this production to come together safely.
For company dancer Shelby Shenkman — who dances as one of the principal roles in Kentucky! Volume 1 — these complications are completely worth it. “Art is all about making adjustments,” she says. “It is so worth all of it to not only create something for our community, but to do so in a way that is going to feel 100% safe to anyone who views it or is part of it.”
While remaining positive, the artists involved in making this production a reality are not immune to the emotional toll of the pandemic and the sacrifices it has required to ensure the safety of others. Shenkman, who is originally from Florida, has not been able to see her parents for eight months.
“In the show, there are two dancers who play my character’s
Louisville Ballet Company Dancers Leigh Anne Albrechta and Ryo Suzuki from Kentucky! Volume 1 2020. Photo by Sam English.
parents,” she says. “There is a moment where I hug the dancer who is playing my father, and in that moment so many emotions came flooding in as it hit me that I haven't been able to hug my own father in so long — and that I don’t know how much longer this will all last. It has been really emotional for so many of us, and we’re really trying to add the emotion of that personal life experience into our performances.”
For Shenkman, the pivot to a digital season offers a silver lining — that in spite of the challenges that COVID-19 has created, no matter where her family is, they will be able to see this show and watch her perform.
“I hope that the audience really takes away that even though we have boundaries right now, there are still beautiful things to come out of this tough time,” Shenkman says.
BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE
The adjustments that COVID-19 has required makes some aspects of this production all the more challenging — but for a show that relies heavily on the concept of time, it also provides a unique opportunity for the show to stand as an evergreen representation of life during this time we are currently living in.
“Nobody else in the entire world is making a dance art film about making a ballet about Kentucky in the middle of a pandemic,” Curran says. “We’re making something new and something relevant to this community, by and for the people of Kentucky.”
While Louisville Ballet is leaning into the digital realm fully for this season, Curran ensures that there has been no reduction in its commitment to in-theater performances, which he calls his “happy place.” Kentucky! Volume 1 will eventually go to the stage as it was originally intended — but probably will be forever changed by its foray into the cinema realm.
That being said, the continued inclusion of digital dance to the company’s repertoire can be expected as well. “This is not just a stopgap solution for us,” Harris says. “We are committed to this platform and want to continue with it as an option moving forward for those who enjoy this medium, and want to use it as an opportunity to create even more boundary-pushing art that complements and supports our in-theater productions.” In this way, she says that the digital world will not replace the physical stage, but rather become a “third stage” for the ballet.
INSPIRING HOPE
In making this ambitious piece of art, Louisville Ballet joins the chorus of artists across the world who are using this year — with all of its unexpected changes and complications and hardships — to send a message of support and resilience.
Curran, Harris and Shenkman all say that none of this would be possible without the support of a dedicated board and community. As the organization approaches its 70th season, its timely foray into new territory is a testament to that support — and to the value that such art provides in breaking down barriers and providing hope. For those who feel inspired and so inclined, purchasing an online ticket or season subscription will perpetuate this support and allow for increased creativity moving forward.
At any point in history, we can all look to the arts to provide a representation of the times. Beyond merely casting a new light on the richness and diversity of Kentucky’s history, Louisville Ballet’s digital production Kentucky! Volume 1 will now provide a lasting peek inside the reality of life in 2020—traumas, triumphs, and all.
For season memberships or single tickets to Kentucky! Volume 1, visit Louisville Ballet’s website.
This year has been fi lled with challenges, especially for the kids and families of our community. Because of generous donors, we have been able to continue providing support and resources so Kosair Kids like Itzel (Itzzy) have everything they need to grow up happy, healthy, and safe.
For children like Itzzy, donor support is life-changing.
Itzzy is a bubbly, outgoing, and bright 6-year-old who loves to paint and play with her Jack Russell Terrier, Jackie. When Itzzy was 3 years old, her mom, Alma noticed she was struggling with speech and language development. Despite seeing specialists and speech therapists, Alma was still worried her daughter would fall behind in kindergarten. Itzzy’s doctor suggested additional testing to help fi nd a diagnosis. Unfortunately, her doctor did not accept insurance for this testing. That is when
Alma and Itzzy found Kosair Charities.
Itzzy received the testing she needed at no cost to her mom through the Kosair Kids Financial Assistance Program. After years of searching for answers, she was diagnosed with hearing loss and an auditory processing disorder. With this diagnosis, Itzzy, Alma, and her medical care team were able to create a care plan designed especially for her. Thanks to donors like you, Itzzy also received hearing aids and an FM transmitter system from the Financial Assistance Program. Her test scores have improved more than 50% and her comprehension has developed signifi cantly! She now has resources she needs to reach her full potential.
“I know Itzzy is destined to do great things and now she can,” Alma said.
There are many kids in our community who still need your support. The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges for many families, especially those who have children with medical needs. Kosair Charities is committed to ensuring all kids in Kentucky and Southern Indiana have what they need to thrive, but we need your help to provide these vital resources.
Kosair Kid Itzel and her mom, Alma.
Kosair Kids need you now more than ever. Please make your most generous gift today:
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AMPLIFYING COMMUNITY VOICES
KENTUCKY OPERA SEEKING CROWDSOURCED SUBMISSIONS ABOUT FAMILY STORIES
sing a “virtual” stage, Kentucky Opera has launched Amplify Your Voice, its new season designed to engage with audiences and organizational partners through crowdsourced material, video performances and interviews. To help expound on the season's themes, U the opera is amplifying the voices of Kentuckians, inviting them to explore the meaning and expression of family, justice, and faith in their own lives.
Typically, Kentucky Opera does not use amplification for its performers on stage. However, this season will use the art form of opera and virtual “stage” to boost the voices of the community during the current pandemic-induced hiatus.
“This season, Kentucky Opera will stay true to our responsibility of telling and elevating stories – our stories – through music,” says Barbara Lynne Jamison, General Director and CEO. “We invite our community to share their voices and perspectives, which we will amplify through story and song. At a time when many people yearn to be heard and understood, we will explore the values we hold dear both individually and collectively. At a time when we long for social connection, we will bring our community together with shared purpose."
Family: A Heart’s Home (Submit Your Stories Now!) A Heart’s Home is a project to collect the stories of families throughout Kentucky and retell these stories as musical minidramas in short, 5-minute webisodes.
Opera artists, who were contracted to sing this season on the mainstage, will combine the stories opera fans share with the repertoire audiences love. The stories, shared anonymously, will inspire the creation of short, musical mini-dramas presented as short videos. Photographs, videos, and other images fans share will help inform time period, context, and visual elements for the series.
WHAT ARE YOUR STORIES?
Many operas explore the topics of families' love, loss, joy and pain. All families are unique, with stories of pain, joy and hope that deserve to be told. What life lessons did you learn from your mother or father? Is there a celebration or event that you wish you could describe and share with a loved one who has died? What do want your children to know about their childhood when they’re older? Kentucky Opera is currently seeking submissions for: •
Stories about your family, your family history, or your hopes for the future
Photos or videos of your family (historical or recent), of special family heirlooms or belongings, or of you (or a family member) recounting your story Share your family story here: kyopera.org/family
If you prefer to email your materials instead of filling out the form, please send them to email@kyopera.org.
TESTIMONIES TO JUSTICE This season will also explore the Civil Rights movement with songs of the 1960s that helped shape the movement. What are our songs for today? What words represent and inspire our country at this point in history?
Kentucky Opera artists will perform historical songs that have illustrated important moments in history as part of this theme. The group will soon invite the community to submit poems, messages, sayings, and adages that express their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes toward the civil justice movement today. These submissions will be used to inspire a set of original songs, written by baritone and composer Jorell Williams. So, stay tuned for information on when and how to enter your submissions. CONVICTION AND CREED
Another important topic Kentucky Opera will explore this season is faith through the lens of art in a theme titled Conviction and Creed. As with the family and justice themes, stories and songs will be gathered through interviews with individuals and faith-based organizational partners. They will then be featured along with performances showcasing characters who rely on, or grapple with, their various faiths in the standard opera repertoire.
These performances will be professionally produced and shared on Kentucky Opera’s social media platforms. The exploration of this theme will culminate in a partnership with KORE Gallery and an exhibition of visual art inspired by artists' varied relationships with their faiths. Stay tuned for the more information about how to submit your inspirational stories of faith.
Follow Kentucky Opera’s reimagined 2020-21 Brown-Forman season, Amplify Your Voice, online at www.KYOpera.org, on Facebook @KentuckyOpera and Instagram @KYOpera.
Kentucky Opera is currently seeking stories from fans about family milestones, which will inspire the creation of short, musical mini-dramas.
