Part of what makes the fall arts season so dynamic is the sense of change that permeates the air, the flavor of precious things ending while others begin.
That’s certainly true with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, which will perform its “Rivers of Hope” program Sept. 18-20. Dance legend Donald McKayle visited the Denver company to set up his piece “Blood Memories” on the company’s dancers, who have assembled from Trinidad, Canada and elsewhere.
“He’s 79 and he was almost too ill to get on the plane last week,” Robinson said of McKayle, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. “But we’re so honored to have him here working with us, because it’s a completely different work than when he first set it on Alvin Ailey (Dance Theatre) in 1976.”
“I’m very happy to do this because I haven’t visited this work in quite a while,” McKayle said from Robinson’s studio last week. “I’m really here to coach the dancers and give them my dramatic and spiritual ideas about the piece.”
In addition to “Blood Memories,” “Rivers of Hope” includes Robinson’s own “Wisdom of the Baobab Tree” and Victoria Dale’s “Continuum.” Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. (303-295-1759 ext. 13 or cleoparker )
Here’s a look at 10 other highlights of the fall dance season along the Front Range:
Colorado Ballet, “Great Galloping Gottschalk,” Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Friday-Sept. 13 (303-837-8888 or ). Colorado’s biggest and best opens its 49th season with the company premiere of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s “Gottschalk.” Also on the program: a pair of pas de deux and Agnes DeMille’s “Rodeo,” set to the Aaron Copland score.
Ballet Nouveau Colorado, “Pop,” Sept. 25-27, Lakewood Cultural Center; Oct. 2-4, Performing Arts Complex at PCS, formerly the Pinnacle Events Center (303-466-5685 or ). This work draws inspiration from contemporary musicians such as Rufus Wainwright, the Knife and Joanna Newsom and includes choreography from artistic director Garrett Ammon and BNC choreography competition winners Alex Ketley and Joshua Blake Carter. Also on tap: BNC’s “Intersection” (Oct. 30-Nov. 8), a collaboration between Ammon and Lighthouse Writers Workshop’s Michael J. Henry.
Keigwin + Company, “Bolero Colorado,” Sept. 26, Gates Hall at the Newman Center (800-982-2787 or ). This New York company will involve up to 50 community members — onstage and off — in this collaborative piece that focuses on themes of sustainability and inclusion.
Colorado Ballet, “Don Quixote,” Oct. 16-25, Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (303-837-8888 or ). This familiar Spanish tale comes to life with choreography by Marius Petipa, Ludwig Minkus’ score (performed live) and visually striking sets and costumes that tell the tale of misplaced chivalry, true love and, of course, giant windmills.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Oct. 20, Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center (303-871-7720 and ). One of the country’s brightest, most athletic companies will display its dynamic and eclectic repertory on this program, which includes Alejandro Cerrudo’s “Lickety-Split,” Lucas Crandall’s “Gimme” and a new work by Jorma Elo.
Arvada Center Dance Theater, “Bravo,” Nov. 6-7, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities (720-898-7200 or ). This company’s 22nd annual fall concert offers something for everyone in its family-friendly program, which features a buffet of styles (ballet, modern, jazz, etc.) and dazzling costumes.
Hannah Kahn Dance Company and Ballet Ariel, “Celebration,” Nov. 7, Schlessman Hall at the Denver Art Museum (303-789-4181 or ). These two companies will collaborate with the musical group Gossamer Winds as part of Denver Arts Week to present a free afternoon of contemporary and classical dance and music.
Kim Robards Dance, “Not Quite Vertical,” Nov. 12-13, Lakewood Cultural Center (303-825-4847 or ). Artistic director Robards opens her company’s 23rd season with her latest modern-flavored work.
David Taylor Dance Theatre, “Rainforest Odyssey,” Nov. 20, Hampden Hall at the Englewood Civic Center (303-762-2317 or ). Taylor revives this kid-friendly piece for a free performance that takes the audience on a journey through different levels of life in a tropical rain forest with colorful costumes, sets and props.
Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet, “Vertical Migration,” Nov. 21, Newman Center for the Performing Arts (303-357-2787 or ticket ). This Boulder contemporary company’s latest premiere features artistic director Robert Sher-Machherndl and former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Rachel Viselli.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
