September 6, 2001

Contact: Kerri Conan, KU School of Fine Arts, 785-864-5567

One-time 'Punk Ballerina' to offer workshops, classes during stay at KU

LAWRENCE -- Karole Armitage, the native Kansan who has danced her way around the planet, is returning to town this month as an artist in residence in the KU Department of Music & Dance, funded by the School of Fine Arts. She will lend her expertise to a series of dance events on campus from Sept. 6 to 16.

Armitage has been dancing professionally for more than 20 years, accumulating a wide range of credits and performance experiences. Once known as the "Punk Ballerina," she has was a leading dancer in both Balanchine's Geneva Ballet and the Merce Cunningham Company.

More recently Armitage's work focuses on dance creation. Before a highly visible series of New York performances last winter, she choreographed a piece for Baryshnikov's White Oak Dance Project. Her ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern dance makes her a sought-after choreographer for everything from rock videos to European operas.

There are many opportunities for the press to interview and photograph Armitage in action during workshops and classes. (Please see the schedule below.)

Junior and high school student dancers are welcome to attend KU's Annual Dance Day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Saturday Sept. 15 in the dance wing of Robinson Gymnasium. Armitage joins KU Dance Company members Muriel Cohan, Jerel Hilding, Willie Lenoir, and Patrick Suzeau in a series of jazz, ballet and modern dance master classes.

Allthough the campus class sessions are reserved for the university students enrolled, Dance Day on Sept. 15 is free and open to junior and senior high school dance students. For more information about how to register, please contact the KU Department of Music and Dance at 785-864-3436.

Karole Armitage Class and Workshop Schedule

Technique Classes (all held in Robinson Gymnasium)

Thursday, September 6: 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance, Room 240

Friday, September 7: 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Advanced Ballet, Room 242

Monday, September 10: 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Advanced Ballet, Room 242

Tuesday, September 11: 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance, Room 240

Wednesday September 12: 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Advanced Ballet, Room 242

Thursday, September 13: 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Intermediate/Advanced Modern Dance, Room 240