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| MARCH 2009 |
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• LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE • INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUTH HONORS ORDWAY'S HEATHER SPICUZZA • EDUCATION AT ORDWAY CENTER WELCOMES NEW SPCPA INTERNS
The master classes included an advanced modern/ballet technique class and a community-based dance master class, both instructed by Artistic Director, Lula Washington. The entire company visited Harvest Prep School in North Minneapolis for an assembly of 600 elementary students during which Lula and the company performed for the students and led movement exercises. The company also visited Mount Olivet Baptist Church in St. Paul where members of the congregation gathered for a inspirational performance. More than 5400 students, educators and chaperones attended the school matinee performances of Lula Washington Dance Theatre, which focused on the African American experience and covered topics such as the Underground Rail Road and the Little Rock Nine. The public performance at the Ordway began with the pre-show Ordway Extra, given by film-producer/educator Robin Hickman and dancer/choreographer Karla Nweje who spoke about art expression for youth, and the background of Lula Washington’s work and style of dance. The public performance presented excerpts from their repertoire including We Wore the Mask, Ode to the Sixties and more. Immediately following the performance, Lula and the company returned to the stage for a Q&A with the audience, after which the company joined community members for a reception.
After the show, community members and friends of the band were invited to dance and enjoy appetizers with Vusi and his band members. INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUTH HONORS ORDWAY'S HEATHER SPICUZZA. Heather T. Spicuzza, Ordway’s Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, was honored on January 24 at Showcase, the annual conference of the International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY). Spicuzza received the prestigious Mickey Miners Award for Lifetime Achievement, which is given to an individual who has exhibited a lifetime commitment to the field and who has enhanced Showcase with energy, vision, experience and wisdom.
Caity Shea Violette, Conservatory Intern, is a senior at The Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists as a Theater major. She was most recently seen on stage in “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” at the Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis. She also wrote and directed the production of Paisley Poppies which premiered last spring and is in the running for the Minneapolis Fringe Festival this summer. She is excited to learn more about arts administration at Ordway Center! Shannon Foy, Conservatory Intern, is a senior at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, where her main focus of study is Theater. Shannon is currently in rehearsal for the show “Charlotte’s Web, The Musical” at the Phipps Center for the Arts. She is very excited to work with and learn from everyone here at Ordway Center!
UPCOMING EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
OTHER UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
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LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE. The Lula Washington Dance Theatre visit February 2- 6 featured master classes, community events, and school and public performances at Ordway Center that engaged more than 6,800 patrons and community members.
VUSI MAHLASELA. Vusi Mahlasela, an accomplished guitarist, percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader, and performer from South Africa, performed for a crowd of more than 700 on February 7. The pre-show Ordway Extra was given by local musician, activist, and educator, T. Mychael Rambo, with Thom West accompanying on piano. T. Mychael gave background to the importance of using art and one’s voice as a tool for social change.
INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUTH, ARTIST CALL FOR 2010 SHOWCASE. Hosted this year by the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater, the annual Showcase (which includes performances, exhibits, networking opportunities, and professional development) has attracted major companies, artists, and programmers who serve young audiences. Throughout the four-day event, these professionals share resources and view full-length Showcase performances of national and international performing artists who have been selected through a rigorous jury process conducted by an international selection committee. Showcase is currently accepting applications from performing artists to present their work at the conference in January 2010. 
EDUCATION AT ORDWAY CENTER WELCOMES NEW SPCPA INTERNS. Michelle Hernick, Conservatory Intern, is a senior at the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. In addition to studying Theater at SPCPA the past four years, Michelle has performed in New York as part of the New York Fringe Festival, as well as in the Twin Cities at Stages. Michelle is thrilled for this opportunity to learn more about the inner workings at Ordway Center.
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Education at Ordway Center is sponsored by 3M. Additional major funding is provided by The Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, Ordway Circle of Stars, General Mills Foundation, hundreds of individuals, foundations, corporate contributors, and by the patronage of thousands of theatre attendees.