Dance Theatre Northwest, an award-winning regional performing dance company, was formed in 1987 in University Place. During that time, their Artistic Director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer, has been actively turning stories into choreography. “I’ve done many original dances, as many as 35 a year, but I am really excited about this next project,” said Kirk-Stauffer.
Her next original piece celebrates women’s empowerment through the stories of four groundbreaking artists—ballerina Anna Pavlova, sculptress Malvina Hoffman, novelist Birgitte Necessary, and the choreographer herself Kirk-Stauffer. Presented for the first time on October 18th to a limited audience, Autumn Extraordinaire may have been preordained. “I was listening to music from the Seasons by composer Alexander Glaznunov and thinking I would love to create a dance using this music, and that same day Birgitte called me to discuss a project using Autumn music to tell the story of Pavlova and Hoffman,” Kirk Stauffer recalled.
Necessary, a local novelist, is writing a book showcasing the relationship between Pavlova and Hoffman called Pavlova’s Ghost. Hoffman was inspired by the beauty of Pavlova’s dancing and created one of her famous life-size ‘friezes’ of the dancer. Necessary’s fascination with their story led her to idea of creating a ballet to bring their story to life and honor Pavlova’s dancing legacy.
Kirk-Stauffer in turn honors Necessary with a highlighted role in the performance at the end of the opening piece. “I wanted to involve Birgitte so I created a part for her to dance to the audience with her arms open wide and envelop them in her dream,” said Kirk Stauffer.
The creation of beautiful costumes is a signature element of many of the productions that Kirk Stauffer brings to the stage. With the help of specialty fabrics from Vancouver’s Rokko Saree, Kirk Stauffer brings a unique element to her costumes that further the story’s impact.
The cast will be filled with company members and special guest artist Richard Phllion of New York. Following a well-received performance in October, Kirk Stauffer hopes to bring a stage production of Autumn Extraordinaire to Tacoma in spring.
For more information about upcoming events visit Dance Theatre Northwest | Uniting Art and Community through Dance, Education, and Performance
By Lynn Castle