This show will leave you feeling breathless on May 7-10, 2009, at the Lyric Theatre!

If you love Dancing With the Stars, then Nine Sinatra Songs will leave you dancing in the aisles! Featuring songs sung by Frank Sinatra, this elegant and cheeky piece is choreographed by the internationally renowned American Choreographer Twyla Tharp. Enjoy each dancing couple as they perform traditional ballroom dance giving dominance to the female dancer. Oscar de la Renta collaborated with Tharp to design the beautifully distinctive evening attire, giving a similar double edge of both present and previous ages. This piece has been performed on Broadway, at the White House, abroad, and was a favorite on the Kansas City stage in 2004.

Karole Armitage, a native of Lawrence, Kan., is known as a ‘punk ballerina’ and this World Premiere is sure to reflect her reputation. She began to receive international notice as a dancer/choreographer in the early 1980s with a series of modern dances accompanied by punk rock music. Known for choreographing “Vogue” for Madonna and “In the Closet” for Michael Jackson, her choice of both music and movement for the premiere piece is certain to entrance audiences. Armitage is “an internationally recognized force majeure in dance and opera,” (Interview Magazine).

The Spring Performance closes with a World Premiere work by Artistic Director William Whitener. This premiere will be Whitener’s 11th with Kansas City Ballet. Time Out New York says William Whitener has made “…Kansas City, Missouri, an impeccable destination for serious ballet.”

Nine Sinatra Songs
Choreography: Twyla Tharp
Music: Frank Sinatra

World Premiere
Choreography: Karole Armitage
Music: Einojuhani Rautavaara

World Premiere
Choreography: William Whitener
Music: TBA

PHOTO CREDITS
Dancers Rachel Coats and Logan Pachciarz
Photographer Kenny Johnson