Kinetic Conversations with the Fort Wayne Ballet

S6E10: Romeo and Juliet Part 3, A Chat with the Star-Crossed Lovers

April 14, 2024 04:24 - 22 minutes - 52.7 MB

In our final Romeo & Juliet podcast, Jim Sparrow sits down with our own Romeo and Juliet, as Thomas Caleb Roberts and Brittany Focht tell us of their individual journeys in developing their characters for the stage. Along the way, we discuss a dancer’s quest to maintain good physical and mental health and the joys of performing with a live orchestra.

S6E9: Romeo & Juliet Part 2: Pillow Dances and a Clash of Swords

April 07, 2024 19:35 - 21 minutes - 48.5 MB

In part two of our discussion of Fort Wayne Ballet’s upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet, Jim Sparrow sits down with two former Romeos to discuss what is often thought of as a “man’s ballet.” Choreographers Robert La Fosse and David Ingram break down strenuous male roles that include multiple pas de deux and sword fighting. Meanwhile, Jim continues his quest to understand the “pillow dance.” Kinetic Conversations is a creation of Wayneshout Productions.

S6E8: Romeo & Juliet Part 1: Romeo, Prokofiev, & Not a Happy Ending

April 01, 2024 06:10 - 18 minutes - 41.2 MB

In this first part of our discussion on the ballet, Romeo & Juliet, Jim sits down with Karen Gibbons-Brown to review Prokofiev's near-perfect score and the history of his adaptation of the Shakespearean tale of woeful romance. The composer dreamed of a happy ending for his version of the luckless lovers' tale, but Fate could not be deterred. Fort Wayne Ballet presents Romeo & Juliet on April 19 & 20 at the Arts United Center. Tickets are available now at fortwayneballet.org. Kineti...

S6E7: Conversations of Nutcrackers Past

November 22, 2023 06:52 - 28 minutes - 65.8 MB

For this episode, we take a look back at some of the previous conversations we have had about The Nutcracker in the years we have been doing this podcast. Join us as we revisit discussions on the ballet's history and legacy with Karen Gibbons-Brown and an insightful discussion on the Tchaikovsky's music with the help of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic's Caleb Young.

S6E6: Beyond the Nutcracker

November 14, 2023 20:03 - 20 minutes - 46.2 MB

In this episode, we've turned the tables on show host Jim Sparrow, as he takes a turn in the interview chair. In his roll as Fort Wayne Ballet's Executive Director, he gives us a glimpse into the structure and the day-to-day mechanics of operating a ballet company. Find out what goes into a production from a fiscal standpoint, with the behind-the-scenes costs of staging, costuming, sets, courting trusts, and satisfying sponsors. Jim gives us the ins and outs of ballet as a business,...

Opening Night Miniseries Part 3: Three Virgins and a Devilish Season

October 17, 2023 06:10 - 13 minutes - 29.9 MB

Fort Wayne Ballet is getting ready to stage its first big show of the 2023-24 season, entitled Opening Night! In this three part series, Kinetic Conversations looks at each of the three ballets the company will be perform in the show - each with a nod to New York City. In our third installment of this miniseries, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown discuss the Agnes de Mille comic ballet, Three Virgins and a Devil. We learn about de Mille’s career as a choreographer and her inf...

Opening Night Miniseries Part 2: Fancy Free

October 09, 2023 06:37 - 20 minutes - 46.6 MB

Fort Wayne Ballet is getting ready to stage it's first big show of the 2023-24 season, entitled Opening Night!. In this three part series, Kinetic Conversations looks at each of the three ballets the company will be perform in the show - each with a nod to New York City. In part two of our series, Jim interviews Robert LaFosse, repetiteur for Jerome Robbins' Fancy Free. They discuss the history of the piece and Robbins' first collaboration with Leonard Bernstein in a partnership th...

Opening Night Miniseries Part 1: Italian Suite

October 02, 2023 05:03 - 12 minutes - 29.6 MB

Fort Wayne Ballet is getting ready to stage it's first big show of the 2023-24 season, entitled Opening Night!. In this three part series, Kinetic Conversations looks at each of the three ballets the company will be perform in the show - each with a nod to New York City. In part one, Jim Sparrow sits down with Arpino Foundation repetiteur Cameron Basden to discuss Italian Suite, the work by Gerald Arpino. They talk about Fort Wayne Ballet's efforts to restage this beautiful piece. ...

S6E2: An Education in Dance Pt 2: Training the Future

August 14, 2023 05:09 - 19 minutes - 44.6 MB

As we look ahead to the start of our fall semester at the Fort Wayne Ballet academy, we want to take a look at dance education in America in general and what it means to us at Fort Wayne Ballet to carry on this legacy in the fine arts. In the second half of our discussion, Jim and Karen discuss the different paths a student might take in the academy, and the benefits of a dance education.

S6E1: An Education in Dance Pt 1: Then and Now

August 07, 2023 13:40 - 25 minutes - 58.8 MB

As we look ahead to the start of our fall semester at the Fort Wayne Ballet academy, we want to take a look at dance education in America in general and what it means to us at Fort Wayne Ballet to carry on this legacy in the fine arts. In this first episode in a two-part discussion, Jim and Karen look at the deep past of dance education and how it has evolved into the modern American dance academy.

Life of Stierle Miniseries: Episode 3, "The Gift of a Legacy"

May 12, 2023 08:27 - 22 minutes - 50.5 MB

In our three-part miniseries, Kinetic Conversations looks at the life, career, and legacy of Eddie Stierle. In our third and final installment, we meet again with Eddie’s sister, Rose, to talk about the lasting impact, the international recognition, and the touching tribute from the dance world that all stand as part of the deserving legacy of Eddie Stierle. Order your tickets today for Dancer’s Legacy: An Evening of Stierle at fortwayneballet.org and artstix.org. Kinetic conv...

Life of Stierle Miniseries: Episode 2, "Like No Other"

May 05, 2023 02:43 - 21 minutes - 49 MB

Join us for Part 2 of our podcast miniseries on Stierle! In our three-part miniseries, Kinetic Conversations looks at the life, career, and legacy of Eddie Stierle. In this heartfelt second episode, we talk to Kim Sagami, the repetiteur working with Fort Wayne Ballet to restage Eddie’s works. Kim shares with us what it meant to her to not only dance in Eddie’s ballets, but to be there as part of the team that kept him going in the last stages of his fight with AIDS. Order yo...

Life of Stierle Miniseries: Episode 1, "Who Was Eddie?"

April 28, 2023 07:27 - 29 minutes - 67 MB

Fort Wayne Ballet is set to make history in May, as we perform three ballets by Edward Stierle together for the first time. A gifted young dancer and choreographer for the Joffrey Ballet, Eddie passed away in 1991 just after the premier of his last ballet. He was 23 years old. In our three-part miniseries, Kinetic Conversations looks at the life, career, and legacy of Eddie Stierle. In this first episode, we talk to his sister, Rose Worton, about what made Eddie a unique light ...

S5E5: SPECIAL EPISODE, "I Have Been Dancing"

April 21, 2023 08:17 - 39 minutes - 91.4 MB

“I have been dancing since I was three..." In this special episode of Kinetic Conversations, we hear from trainers, educators, and the dancers themselves what it means to them to be a dancer. Join with us as we celebrate these wonderful people who are the heart and soul of our company. We take a look back at some past sound bites from Raymond Lukens and Kim Sagami, and a never-before-aired interview with Cameron Basden, as well as some fun and thought-provoking ballet stories from ...

Ballet 101 Miniseries: A Fairytale in Dance, Episode 3: Story Through Movement

March 17, 2023 05:01 - 11 minutes - 27.2 MB

In the final part of this miniseries, we Look at Fort Wayne Ballet’s upcoming production of Swan Lake and take a look at the plot and characters in Tchaikovsky’s famed tragic tale. Do you know who defied convention to dance in shorter skirts, paving the way to the tutu? When did ballets transition from tragedies to happy-ever-afters? When did we start dancing on point? The Ballet 101 conversations are here to fill us in on the basics of the ballet world in bite-sized doses. T...

Ballet 101 Miniseries: A Fairytale in Dance, Episode 2: Heroes & Villains

March 10, 2023 04:48 - 13 minutes - 30 MB

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 Sw...

Ballet 101 Miniseries: A Fairytale in Dance, Episode 1: Story Ballets

March 03, 2023 05:56 - 11 minutes - 26.8 MB

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 epis...

S5E1: Dracula: Music of Love and Terror

October 17, 2022 08:43 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MB

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.

S4E5: Sleeping Beauty: Creating Fairytale Myths in Ballet

April 18, 2022 04:29 - 22 minutes - 51.8 MB

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.

S4E4: Sapphire Soiree

March 03, 2022 07:24 - 17 minutes - 39.6 MB

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.

S4E3: The Nutcracker: An American Tradition

November 18, 2021 04:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MB

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. ...

S4E2: Giselle

October 14, 2021 17:29 - 14 minutes - 33.2 MB

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

S4E1: Diversions 21

September 23, 2021 03:10 - 19 minutes - 44.6 MB

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

S3E3: Tchaikovsky, with Caleb Young

March 22, 2021 05:53 - 27 minutes - 62.7 MB

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 W...

S3E2: Dracula

October 26, 2020 10:00 - 31 minutes - 71.9 MB

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

S3E1: Jane Lanier & Cameron Basden

September 30, 2020 04:31 - 33 minutes - 76.8 MB

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 Dawk...

S2E6: Midsummer Night’s Dream

September 30, 2020 04:25 - 14 minutes - 20.6 MB

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 Le...

S2E5: Raymond Lukens Part 2

September 30, 2020 04:20 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MB

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...

S2E4: Raymond Lukens, Part 1

September 30, 2020 04:16 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MB

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 Production...

S2E3: The Nutcracker

September 30, 2020 04:09 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MB

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 C...

S2E2: Kim Sagami & Cameron Basden

September 30, 2020 04:07 - 20 minutes - 27.7 MB

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 ...

S2E1: Karen Gibbons-Brown

September 30, 2020 04:04 - 12 minutes - 17.9 MB

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 ...

S1E9: Progressions

September 30, 2020 03:55 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MB

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...

S1E8: Cinderella

September 30, 2020 01:10 - 13 minutes - 19.3 MB

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, Ji...

S1E7: Darren McIntyre

September 30, 2020 01:02 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MB

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 Schepi...

S1E6: Kim Sagani

September 30, 2020 00:59 - 13 minutes - 18.7 MB

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, Ma...

S1E5: Raymond Lukens

September 30, 2020 00:54 - 14 minutes - 19.5 MB

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...

S1E4: Cameron Basden

September 30, 2020 00:50 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MB

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 musi...

S1E3: Karen Gibbons-Brown

September 30, 2020 00:42 - 11 minutes - 15.5 MB

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...

S1E2: Charthel Arthur-Estner

September 30, 2020 00:39 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MB

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 Dawki...

S1E1: Tracy Tritz

September 30, 2020 00:36 - 11 minutes - 16.2 MB

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. Ori...

Kinetic Conversations with the Fort Wayne Ballet

Episodes