"the way we danced 'til three" is contemporary dance created and danced by 20- and 30-somethings who are smack in the middle of trying to navigate their romantic experiences. would you like to meet them?
KIMBERLY ROSE DOOLEY is a graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Communication Studies as well as a double minor in Business and Dance. In 2009, Kimberly acted as the Artistic Director of Graffiti Dancers, Northwestern University's premier student dance company. She is a recipient of The George Washington University Presidential Arts Scholarship in dance, as well as a year long scholarship at Lou Conte Dance Studio in Chicago. Her recent professional credits include performances with Beyonce Knowles on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. Kimberly also acted as associate choreographer for the 2010 US premiere of Departure Lounge at the Royal George Cabaret Theater (Chicago).
Favorite Gershwin tune? Oh dear, this is a hard one... "Embraceable You," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "They Can't Take That Away from Me..." gah! If I haaaaad to pick one, I'd say "Embraceable You." (Especially Nat King Cole's version.)
NIKI KAPANKA comes from a big family in small town Iowa. She started dancing at the age of three and has always been on the move, her parents kept her busy with dancing as well as keeping her involved in other sports. Niki moved to New York City in 2010 to study at the Joffrey Ballet School as a Jazz and Contemporary Trainee while continuing her high school education via correspondence work. At Joffrey she studied with Dorrell Martin, Jana Hicks, Marijke Eliasberg, Tyler Gilstrap, Sidra Bell, Mario Zambrano, and Shelly Masenoir Hutchinson. In May of 2011 Niki graduated from Northern University High School with her class and received high academic honors. Currently Niki dances at Steps on Broadway where she is on work study and is enrolled in college level courses online. A million thanks to her family and friends for their endless love, encouragement, and support.
Favorite Gershwin tune? Such a tricky question, but at the moment "They Can't Take That Away from Me" sits in the number one seat. I'm a sucker for duets, and love this song when it was redone by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. "Summertime" comes in a close second!
A native of New York, GRACE LERNER began dancing at the age of three. She studied under Denyse Looney at Ballet Arts Studio and later became a Trainee at the Joffrey Ballet School. Grace attended numerous summer programs including the Joffrey Ballet School and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. She has performed as a guest artist with the Dutchess Ballet Theatre, and most recently as a member of Kelley Donovan and Dancers. Grace is currently finishing a double major in Classical Archaeology and Art History at Hunter College.
Favorite Gershwin tune? "Rhapsody in Blue." But that might be because we learned it in my high school band and I thought it was fun to play.
MICHALA STOCK graduated summa cum laude from Northwestern University with majors in Anthropology and Dance, and is now completing her MA in Anthropology at NYU. While in Chicago, she was fortunate enough to learn from and perform works by Jaema Berry, Jeff Hancock, Molly Shanahan and Laura Wade, among others, as well as performing at ACDFA and the Chicago A.W.A.R.D. Show. Michala has danced with Eyes of a Blue Dog, performed in several earlier explorations of the material for TWWDTT, and has participated in several dance films and music videos since relocating to NYC. Thanks to Jaema for the opportunity to be part of this amazing production!
Favorite Gershwin tune? "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off"