“At The Barre” By Holly Whitfeld Photography by Donny Granger Spoon Magazine Fall 2011 – feature cover story
Fast Latin guitar, strong drumbeats and blue-hued light accompanied the dancers’ lively movements. Intricate footwork and perfectly sculpted leaps were evidence of dedicated classical ballet training, but the pulsing, staccato movements that echoed the music were fresh and engaging. The controlled but urgent steps of dancers in formation alluded to a school of fish, swimming through a turbulent river. Their flowing skirts flared like a splash of water as they jumped, then hung long and still as they froze for an instant, arms at right angles, before twirling again. The specific elements of this performance were no accident. The piece, Trey McIntyre’s The Barramundi, was inspired by the fish of the same name, and choreographed for and premiered by Ballet Memphis in 2006. It is one example of the invigorating contemporary works produced and supported by the company, which celebrates its quarter-century anniversary this year. For 25 years, Ballet Memphis has been an anchor of the performing arts scene in Memphis. Founded in 1986 by lifelong Memphian Dorothy Gunther Pugh, the company has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally respected artistic organization. “We’re a very innovative and community-centric company,” describes Ms. Pugh. “We’ve crashed a lot of barriers because we’re a ballet company for now; we don’t just pull the same old tired things out of the closet.” As a result, Memphis boasts a dance scene that is as fresh, unique, and exhilarating. The first performance of the 2011-2012 season in September is Connections: Food, where three bright young dancers of Ballet Memphis—Travis Bradley, Kendall Britt and Julie Niekrasz—will perform their own culinary-inspired pieces and those of accomplished choreographer Matthew Neenan. The three dancers convened at the popular Interim Restaurant and Bar in East Memphis to discuss their upcoming works, and why Ballet Memphis is an exciting part of the Memphis performing arts scene.
The dancers of Ballet Memphis have a collection of reasons why they enjoy being a part of the unique company. “It’s wonderful to be a part of so much new work,” explains Kendall Britt. “Our director [Dorothy Pugh] does a great job of pursing new work, especially relevant ‘work that matters,’” agrees Travis Bradley. Ballet Memphis is a small company of around twenty company members and performs locally and nationally at a variety of venues. “We genuinely are a family, which is very rare with larger dance companies,” says Julie Niekras.
While Ballet Memphis participates in the creation of new work, the well-known ballets are an equally important part of their repertoire. Julie Niekras danced in The Barramundi and many other roles in contemporary pieces, but she has a special connection with the classic story ballets. “My most recent role was Juliet. That is every ballerina’s dream to dance— even the greatest ballerinas don’t have the opportunity to perform this in-depth role,” Julie shares. “In any story ballet, people are already involved because they are familiar with the characters,” explains Kendall, who played the role of plucky, sprightly Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. To deepen audience involvement and keep the stories fresh, Ballet Memphis sometimes updates the time or the setting, or reinvents the character with a dancer’s personal interpretation. Travis was particularly fond of the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. “I’ve never had so much fun onstage. In certain roles, we are able to transcend ourselves and become something completely different,” he shares. “It’s one thing to act and to speak a role, but it’s an entirely different thing to embody a role through dance.” From their facial expressions, to the polished and precise movements, to the particular energy, immersion in a ballet role allows dancer to lose themselves “from the inside out,” as Kendall says. Ballet Memphis’ emphasis on communication through the fundamentals of ballet is the first step in reaching people, especially young children or others who may not be considered the traditionally “target” audience for ballet. Julie’s recent portrayal of Juliet was more than a personal dream; it was a chance to interact with the local students who were invited to performances. “We brought Shakespeare alive for them,” Julie explains. Such exhibitions are just one of Ballet Memphis’ community and school outreach programs, including a training curriculum called Dance Avenue that is provided to select Memphis City Schools, Youth Villages and the Stax Academy. They were the first dance company in the city to create works based on the literature that the schools were teaching. Collaboration with local authors, musicians, visual artists, and chefs is a natural way that Ballet Memphis brings its hometown influences to the stage. That immersion is what allows the ballet to come alive for Memphians who have supported the company for 25 years. Dorothy Pugh and her team strive to make Ballet Memphis relevant and accessible to all Memphians. The heart of their message lies in the quality of the performances and the dancers themselves. “What the dancers do in the theatre, in many ways, is the apex of outreach. All people are capable of being drawn into the story or the dialogue [that happens onstage],” Dorothy explains. Kendall Britt, Jr. Kendall is originally from New York City, and joined the company in 2006. He has performed several roles including the Lion in Steven McMahon’s Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, and Puck in Mark Godden’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Julie Niekras Julie is from Arlington Heights, Ill. and is beginning her eighth season at Ballet Memphis. She has danced lead roles in Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, the Nutcracker (Clara), Travis Bradley’s Beauty and the Beast, and Mark Godden’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia), and others. Travis Bradley Travis has been with the company since 2004 and is from Mechanicsville, Va. He is an accomplished choreographer and has collaborated with many acclaimed artists. He has performed in Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence, Romeo), Beauty and the Beast (The Prince), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon), and several Trey McIntyre ballets.
A Grand Vision by Holly Whitfield Fix Magazine May/June 2011 A closer look at this year’s Garden Contest winner Twelve years ago, anyone who saw Steve and Missy McClendon’s large backyard would have had a difficult time envisioning anything but a lot of grass and a few trees. Today, the couple’s lovely Germantown home is surrounded by an incredible display of gardening, landscaping and art. “With patience, dedication, hard work, and luck, we think we have created a masterpiece,” explains Missy. Masterpiece is the perfect word to describe her thriving garden, a labor of love that immediately proves its worth upon visiting the paradise. Step into the back yard, and you’ll enter a space that seems reserved for something special. A few tall trees and shrubs provide plenty of cool shade, while the bright green lawn stretches between the plant beds and ponds. The soft sound of running water mingles with the call of birds, a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a steamy summer night outside or a brisk autumn morning walk. Several seating areas provide a place for quiet delight or outdoor entertaining. The water features are the focal points, with three separate ponds accented by babbling brooks, waterfalls, and bright koi. Fieldstone pathways guide the visitor through the vibrant, landscaped beds and separate areas containing the open-air gazebo, arbor, antique bench, or the Art Deco style fountain. A colorful collection of flowers and a brick path surrounds a century-old oak tree in the front yard, giving guests a hint of the heaven behind the house. The McClendons have put in countless hours of their own time to materialize the vision of transforming their ¾ acre field of grass into a wonderland of variety. “I am most proud of how my husband and I worked together to make our vision come true, one step at a time,” shares Missy. Comments from the Judges: “I enjoyed that guests can wander beautiful gardens along the stream, only to be delighted by a grand finale: a gorgeous lily pond.” -Lana Zepponi of Chestnut Hall “They have a wonderful water garden with a nice display of Arkansas fieldstone that is used well to pull the whole space together.” -Michael Christie of Christie Cut Stone
Britni Ackermann & Sean Corrigan Story by Holly Whitfield, holly@sayyesmemphis.com, 901-529-6514; Photos by Norman Gilbert Photography, LLC, 901-820-0301, www.photonorm.com On a clear, starry night in February, all eyes were on the country chapel. The walls of the white building were brightly lit from the outside, and its steeple reached humbly towards the chilly black sky. The warmth of the timber interior was visible though the open door, and served to visually beckon the guests to their seats as they paced across the grounds of Bonne Terre. While it was a brief and enjoyable journey for friends and family from their vehicles to the chapel where Britni Ackermann and Sean Corrigan would exchange vows, the road to marital bliss had not exactly th been smooth. The two met in 7 grade at Collierville Middle School and recall a mutual attraction, albeit one expressed in a typically teenage way. “He used to tease me,” Britni recalls. “But I thought he was cute.” In high school, the crushes and teasing faded into a casual friendship that lasted through college. Britni studied at The University of Memphis, while Sean entered The United States Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The couple lost touch until by chance Britni took a job in Virginia, near where Sean was stationed. “We went on one date in Washington, D.C., and weʼve been together ever since,” Britni gushes. The bride describes her groom as fun-loving, always laughing, and deeply loyal. “Every day he puts his life on the line at work, and it never fazes him. Most people are not that selfless,” she says of Seanʼs career as an Air Force pilot. “I love that Britni will drop everything to listen to a story or a problem,” Sean shares. “She takes it upon herself to look after those around her. My favorite thing is that she brings out the best in me.” This generous and articulate couple spent four years building a relationship and relocating to Oklahoma before a special evening dinner date changed their future. Sean surprised Britni with a half-dozen red roses set on a table in a private booth at a restaurant. Before dessert, the young man took a knee and proposed. “I had known for days what was going to happen,” Britni laughs. “But I tried to act surprised.” After the initial excitement came the wedding planning. “Life isnʼt a movie,” the bride explains. “Parts of being engaged are fun and new and exciting. At times it can also be hard.” The coupleʼs practical view of marriage and engagement is tempered by the joy they express in person. “His laugh is infectious,” says the bride of her new husband. “He has a good time everywhere he goes.” The bride and groom wanted a celebration that would reflect their loved onesʼ roles in their lives, Southern elegance, and the military tradition of Seanʼs family—his father is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and his brother is a Major in the Air Force. On February 26, 2011, Miss Britni Elise Ackermann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Ackermann of Collierville, married Captain Sean Corrigan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Corrigan of Collierville. The bride is the granddaughter of Dr. Harry Moore and the late Mrs. Shirley Moore of Germantown and Mrs. Dot Ackermann and the late Mr. Clay Ackermann of Alamo, Tennessee. She was accompanied by the Gentleman of Honor, her brother, Mr. Kit Ackermann. Dr. Sarah
Corrigan, sister of the groom, also accompanied the bride as the Maid of Honor. The groom is the grandson of Mrs. Edna Corrigan and the late Mr. Richard Corrigan of Winston-Salem, North Carolina and the late Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Buell of Kokoma, Indiana. He was attended by his brother, Best Man Major Jason Corrigan. Britni and Sean were married in a traditional ceremony in the picturesque Bonne Terre Chapel on the grounds of Bonne Terre Inn and Restaurant in Nesbit, Mississippi. The bride looked radiant in a strapless white gown with beaded bodice and cascading layers, accented by blue heels and bright bouquet, while the groom donned his Air Force dress uniform. Groomsmen were in uniform or tuxes, while the bridesmaids wore floor-length strapless black gowns. After the ceremony, guests strolled over to the reception hall for a cocktail hour and appetizers, catered by Café Bonne Terre. The elegant brick interior of Ashley Hall was accented by plenty of candlelight; large glass orbs held floating candles and white flowers provided by Hollidayʼs Florist. A special Air Force tradition was reserved for the moment when the newlyweds exited the chapel and again when they made their entrance to the reception. Six uniformed attendants lined the entryway to Ashley Hall and held their sabers overhead, creating a “saber arch” for the bride and groom to walk under amidst cheers and applause from their loved ones. Britni and Sean followed tradition and cut their four-layer wedding cake with a saber, while Seanʼs groomʼs cake was an impressive replica of an F-16 Air Force jet, created by the talented artists at Cakes by Mom and Me. During their reception, the newlyweds floated through the crowd, bringing many hugs, bright laughter, and a few tears of happiness from family and friends. The new Captain and Mrs. Sean Corrigan enjoyed a warm Hawaiian honeymoon before returning to their home in Enid, Oklahoma. Sean is stationed nearby at Vance Air Force Base, and Britni works as a Patient Access Manager at St. Maryʼs Regional Health Center. Britni plans to graduate from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a masterʼs degree in Counseling in December of this year. The couple, who have known one another for fifteen years, is ecstatic to be married. “The best part of this process,” Britni exclaims, “is you waking up one day and realizing you have already been working as one. You get a glimpse at the wonderful life you have ahead of you.” Bridal Attire Shop: Davidʼs Bridal Tulsa, OK Bridesmaidsʼ Attire Shop: Davidʼs Bridal Tulsa, Ok Bridal Hair Stylist: Heather at Gouldʼs Exchange Ceremony Venue: Bonne Terre Chapel Cakes: Cakes by Mom and Me Caterer: Bonne Terre Cafe Entertainment: DJ J2 of Rehab Disco
Florist: Holliday始s Florist Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men始s Warehouse Harpist: Anne Frey Jewelry: Zales Photographer & Photobooth: Norm Gilbert Reception Venue: Ashley Hall at Bonne Terre Rentals Company: Bonne Terre
MOVEMENT WITH HEART New Ballet Ensemble Blues City Cafe By: Holly Whitfield Photography: Brandon Dill
"If you have a heartbeat, you can move. A turn of the head or a curl of the fingers, it's all dance." - Jayme Stokes
When it comes to style, the dancers of New Ballet Ensemble aren’t concerned about labels; they simply love to move. Memphian Katie Smythe founded the NBE in 2001 with a goal of offering dance training for talented students regardless of their ability to pay. The end result is a motivated, vibrant group of dancers and students from every corner of the city. Company members Jayme Stokes and Gene Seals gave an exciting demonstration of balletmeets-Memphis at Blues City Café on Beale Street. -
“We have a fresh approach to something that’s been around for a long time,” says Jayme Stokes, company dancer and instructor at the school. One example, Nut Remix is a redo of Nutcracker set on Beale Street and features hip hop, ballet, African dance, flamenco and more. The children’s ballet Peter and the Wolf gets a similar NBE makeover. “The Hunters are break dancers. The Duck is a modern dancer, and the Bird is a ballerina. I play the Cat, whose piece is a jazz dance,” Jayme shares.
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Company dancer Gene Seals is a New Ballet Ensemble success story. Seven years ago, he started dancing at a school program and soon after was introduced to Director Katie Smythe. “Later, I came to ballet class and I stayed. I loved it,” he shares. “We bring people together, and we care about the community. New Ballet Ensemble feels like family.”
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When Jayme takes a break from teaching class and rehearsing, she enjoys meals with friends at downtown spots like Ernestine and Hazel’s or Blue Fin, while Gene recommends Memphis favorite Interstate BBQ.
JIMI JAMISON Spoon Magazine Spring 2011 By: Holly Whitfield Photography: Joey Miller “I don’t think good music will ever stop coming from Memphis.” Jimi Jamison is a legend in the world of rock-and-roll. He has been the lead singer of crowd-pleasing bands like Cobra, Target, and Survivor, and an indispensible vocalist with the likes of ZZ Top and many others. Considered one of the top male vocalists of our time, the voice of “Eye of the Tiger” and “High On You”, Jimi sat down with some soul food in Midtown to talk about the past and present of Memphis music through his eyes. - Growing up in Memphis was a strong influence in his music. Being surrounded by a vibrant music scene planted the seed for his future career. “I can remember being very young and standing in the front seat of my parents’ car, singing ‘Hound Dog’. When we started playing music in high school, everyone in town just wanted to play for any amount of money or none at all.” - Jimi’s latest release is a duet album with friend and longtime Toto frontman Bobby Kimball, out in the spring of 2011. He’s been doing some recording locally at Young Avenue Sound, as well, and is planning to work with Billy Gibbons later in the year. But the studio isn’t necessarily his favorite place to be. “Recording is important, but I would always rather be doing a live show!” - When it comes to his hometown, Jimi has a lot pride. While he insists visitors make the obligatory stop at Graceland, he hopes they do a little more exploring. “There are a lot of historical places to visit, and so much to do.” And you can’t leave without sampling the food. “I love the simple soul food places.”