Kinetic Conversations with the Fort Wayne Ballet

Every good story needs a villain. Some are evil, some are misunderstood, and some are merely careless in their intentions, but they drive the plot. What makes up a ballet villain, and how are they overcome? Let’s take a look.This three-episode miniseries discusses the components of romantic and classical era story ballets, examining their history and the evolution their choreography, their structure, and audiences’ expectations, with a special look at our upcoming production of Swan Lake. The series will drop on consecutive Fridays in March.

This three-episode miniseries discusses the components of romantic and classical era story ballets, examining their history and the evolution their choreography, their structure, and audiences’ expectations, with a special look at our upcoming production of Swan Lake. The series will drop on consecutive Fridays in March. Series is hosted by Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown. This episode debuts new theme music by John Dawkins. Episode 1: The Story Ballet In our first episode, we look at the history of story ballets, from the supernatural tragedies of Giselle and Swan Lake to the playful dreamlands of Nutcracker. How did dancers’ roles evolve over time, and how did audience demands reshaped the expectations of the story.

In preparation for our Dracula performances, we take a look at the music of Alfred Schnittke, first through a choreographer's eye, as Jim has a discussion with Tracy Tritz. Then podcast's producer John Dawkins has a discussion with orchestral music expert, Dr. Steven Kandow.

Host Jim Sparrow and Artistic Director Karen Gibbons-Brown talk ballet history, as they debate the collaborative history of Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marius Petipa and the timelessness of Sleeping Beauty. In preparation for the Fort Wayne Ballet's production of the classic, they discuss staging, both modern and historical, and the origins of the grand pas de deus.Kinetic Conversations is a creation of Wayneshout Productions, LLC. Fort Wayne has a voice at Wayneshout.com.

In honor of Fort Wayne Ballet's 65th anniversary, Jim Sparrow talks with Karen Gibbons-Brown about the upcoming Gala Weekend, with the Sapphire Soiree and Celebration Series performances. Featured are two works by Gerald Arpino, including the popular Light Rain. Kinetic Conversations is a creation of Wayneshout Productions, and is powered by Wayneshout.com.

Jim Sparrow talks with Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown about the American history of the Nutcracker. Beginning with Balanchine's famous New York Ballet production, performing annually since 1954, The Nutcracker has taken on a whole new life in this country, spawning many new variations and traditions. As the Fort Wayne Ballet gears up for its own production, take in a history lesson and discover how a once-panned Russian ballet became a staple of American holiday festivity. Kinetic Conversations is a creation of Wayneshout Productions. Fort Wayne has a voice at Wayneshout.com

In the spirit of the season, and of Romantic period ballets in general, Giselle is a gracefully portrayed tale of death and restless spirits. Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown sit down to discuss the upcoming performance of the show and talk about the bleak European mythology behind its story. Kinetic Conversations is a joint production of Fort Wayne Ballet and Wayneshout Productions. For more local Fort Wayne Podcasts, visit Wayneshout.com

In our season opener podcast, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown talk to guest choreographer, Cynthia Pratt, to discuss her career and her piece for the Fort Wayne Ballet's upcoming performance of Diversions 21, which runs from September 30th to October 2nd. Kinetic Conversations is a creation of Wayneshout Productions, produced by John Dawkins. You can find more Fort Wayne podcasts at Wayneshout.com

Hosts, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown, sit down with Associate Conductor Caleb Young, of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra. In prelude to the Fort Wayne Ballet's performance celebrating the great composer, they discuss the works of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Find out with us the joys and intricacies of both the dance and musical aspects of these, the world's most famous ballets.Kinetic Conversations with the Fort Wayne Ballet is a creation of Wayneshout Productions. Fort Wayne Has a Voice at Wayneshout.com

In anticipation of the upcoming performance of Dracula, we interview the choreographer, Tracy Tritz, and the principal dancers.

In our first podcast after shutdown, Karen sits down with Cameron Basden of Basden Enterprises and the Miami Dance Hub, and Broadway veteran Jane Lanier to discuss the current difficulties in the arts community, post-Covid, and the difficulties and ingenuity involved in teaching students in a no-contact situation. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown discuss the Fort Wayne Ballet’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and deep dive into the evolution of classical ballets into modern companies. Sadly, this performance was ultimately cancelled due to the Covid-19 situation. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

In part two of our interview, Raymond Lukens of ABT shares with us his personal philosophies on physiology and the processes and techniques involved in training dancers. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Kinetic Conversations is proud to welcome back renowned dance master and instructor, Raymond Lukens, author of the American Ballet Theatre’s standardized training curriculum. In this first of a two-part interview, Raymond shares with us the stories and history behind his career in dance.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Before the Fort Wayne Ballet’s annual staging of The Nutcracker, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown discuss the history of the piece, from its unpopular beginnings to its modern interpretations, and its cultural significance worldwide.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Kim Sagami and Cameron Basden are setting pieces for the Fort Wayne Ballet’s season opener. Kim discusses the tragic origins of her piece, and the choreographer’s battle with AIDS. Cameron discusses the Gerald Arpino choreographed Italian Suite.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown sit down and discuss the Fort Wayne Ballet’s new season. Karen talks about the expansion of our ballet and it’s burgeoning reputation as a respected professional organization.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

In the Kinetic Conversations season finale, we interview choreographers for the Progressions performances. Company dancers Amber Bailey, Jocelyn Magons, and Stephen Blood discuss their original pieces for the showcase performance. Also, we interview people in the community at our fundraising event.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Kinetic Conversations records from the Auer Center in this episode. Jim interviews Jillian Schepis, Babette Lamb, Mara Gordon, and Patrick Van Buren: company dancers in Fort Wayne Ballet’s staging of Cinderella. They discuss their careers and their various rolls in the production. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

For our Valentine’s performance, we talk to Choreographer Darren McIntyre about his adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera in a black box production. Along the way, He provides insight into adapting something with musical connotations into a non-vocal visual performance.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Kim Sagani, the Ballet’s Resident Master Teacher, tells us about her experiences working with the Joffery Ballet, and how she learned to become a teacher of dance. She discusses addressing the needs of students and the challenge of developing them into dancers. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

An important guest instructor, training Fort Wayne Ballet in the standardized curriculum of ABT, Raymond Lukens is a distinguished figure in the world of dance. He took the time to come and tell us about his life. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

Cameron Basden discusses a prolific career working with the Joffery Ballet, and training with Robert Joffery and Gerald Arpino. She takes us on the journey of what it takes to be an instructor in the world of dance. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

We sit down with Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown, to discuss her distinguished career in dance. Also under discussion is the Fort Wayne Ballet as a professional company, and the upcoming highlights of the 2018 – 2019 season.Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

In this episode we discuss with Charthel Arthur-Estner her work with the Joffrey Ballet and the Gerald Arpino foundation, and the staging of the foundation’s Pas Des Deesses by the Fort Wayne Ballet. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.

We sit down with Ballet Mistress and Outreach Director Tracy Tritz, to discuss her career and her new choreography for Ravel’s Bolero. Tracy offers us insight into what it takes to imagine and build a piece of choreography. Kinetic Conversations is hosted by Fort Wayne Ballet’s Executive Producer, Jim Sparrow, and Artistic Director, Karen Gibbons-Brown. The show is co-produced by John Dawkins and Wayneshout Productions, Jillian Schepis Lee, Marcia Hetric, and Madison Cafaro. Original music by John Dawkins. For more about this podcast, visit fortwayneballet.org and wayneshout.com.