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DUKE UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS DURHAM, NC Kathy Silbiger program director written in 2002 piece description I am extremely pleased to write in support of alban elved dance company...FREE SPACE was performed at Duke Unievrsity in February, 2002, for three very successful peformances... This group of artists is thouroughly committed to artistic and technological exploration, grounded in outstanding technique and a highly devoted, multidisciplinary approach to their work. If pluck, persistance, seriousness, hard work, and talent count these days, then alban elved deserves to be supported in their work. The FREE SPACE project involved collaboration between the alban elved dancers/choraographer and a team of technical and engineering staff and graduate students. Throughout the lengthy process of developing the work, Karola Luttringhaus and the other company members were never less than professional, focused, and positive, even in the face of the inevitable dalays and lapses involved in experimental, untried technologies. They managed to turn an experiment into a real work of art. Several audience members commented to me that this was the first"modern dance" that they had ever liked and felt they "understood". It would be wonderful for FREE SPACE to have an extended life- the hard work will undoubtedly change and develop even further, and I for one look forward to seeing how alban elved will adapt it. DUKE UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS DURHAM, NC Kathy Silbiger program director written in 2001 press for this production piece description I saw alban elved dance company's performance at SECCA last summer, after having heard intriguing things about the company for a couple of years. I was immediately struck by the boldness and truly original movement, and by the spirit of adventure--with rigor and attention to details--that pervaded the work. When an opportunity came along to try something risky in collaboration with a new photonics institute on our campus, I immediately thought of Karola--I new she would take to this challenge with enthusiasm, and she has! We don't know what will come of it yet (the performances are still two months in the future), but already she has proved to be an outstanding collaborator. Just recently I saw another of her new works--"MiDi--in performance. It was a compelling evening-length work: visually stunning, choreographically original, and convincingly danced. The technology didn't get in the way of the 'human element,' which happens in so many of these kinds of works, but became another character, interacting with the dancers. Through it all, there is a strong artistic vision--Karola's--that brings out the best in her collaborators and communicates clearly and persuasively to the audience. I recently recommended the alban elved dance company for a showcase performance at a national conference, where they followed an evening of overwrought, muddled work. When--at the end of a long night--Karola and Andrea finally took the stage, it was as if a bolt of energy surged through the house, and the tired, somewhat jaded audience knew they were seeing excellent work, and responded enthusiastically! |
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Secrest Artist Series, Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC Lillian B. Shelton director written in 2004 piece description alban elved's performance on the 24th (of October of "lena's Bath"), is, at the moment, my all time favorite! The works were solid, muscularly graceful, and wonderfully executed. The scaffolding and the net and the "bath" were imaginative and intriguing.....the company continues to surprise and delight and yourwork continues in strength....well done!!! Lillian B. Shelton |
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SOUTHEASTERN CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART Winston-Salem, NC Terri Dowell-Dennis curator of education written in 2001 press about this production piece description SECCA was pleased to host the alban elved dance company April-June, 2001, as they created , rehearsed and performed a remarkable series of aerial vignettes called Animate. Luttringhaus choreographed this work, comprising seven elements performed by eight dancers. Joe Morgan created original electronic sound works to accompany the choreography. Luttringhaus designed Animate as a site-specific piece, using climbing ropes and props to allow dancers to access the upper reaches of the space. While the dancers moved in proscribed areas in synchronized movements that made them appear to walk on walls or swim through open spaces, the audience was entirely mobile, moving from one viewing station to another. Morgans' soundscapes created an otherworldly quality that nicely complemented the dancer's movements. The audience was overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the experience, which unfolded as a kind of adventure. SECCA's cavernous architectural spaces seemed to morph into underwater subterranean spaces, and for many frequent patrons it was like discovering SECCA for the very first time. Alban elved's "Animate" was a rich experience for all involved. We at SECCA believe this company is an enormous asset to the arts scene in Winston-Salem and anticipate watching their work continue to develop. |
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UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING at Laramie Laramie, WY Margaret Stalder academic professional festival co-director 'Snowy Range Dance Festival' festival co-director 'Vedauwoo Aerial Festival' written in 2003 press about this production piece description The University of Wyoming was pleased to host alban elved for the opening concert of the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival and ‘ex camera lucent: Vertical Dance at Vedauwoo’. Working and performing at 7200 feet above sea level, Luttringhaus and Lieske impressed audiences with their athleticism and artistry in two new pieces choreographed specifically for this venue. ‘At Arms Length’ was a riveting work which displayed not only the strength but also the musical and artistic sensitivity of these two performers. The impact of this work was most strongly felt by the young dancers in the audience who were attending the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival. Many of them had never seen much modern dance performance, and for them to comment over and over how much they liked seeing the partnering work (which Lieske and Luttringhaus had introduced to them in a guest class) indicates how engaged they were. “counterpoint” was performed outside at a local climbing area on the rocks at Vedauwoo. From the first day, these two artists immediately commanded the space and easily adapted their choreography to this new environment. Their piece captivated the audiences in attendance and inspired the other performers. The interaction alban elved had with the students and the other artists attending the festival was extremely professional and personal at the same time. Karola and Andrea are phenomenal performers and delightful artists to have in residence. We will be working hard to bring them back next summer(2004). |
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UNIVERSITY OF Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS Stacy Reischman director of dance written in 2004 concert descriptions I am writing this letter in recommendation of Karola Luttringhaus and the Alban Elved dance company. In February, 2004, Ms. Luttringhaus was in residence at the University of Southern Mississippi where I direct the dance program. Her residency included master classes in modern dance technique, rope and harness work, seminars to our dance majors, a video presentation of her work, and a concert. Simply put, Ms. Luttringhaus was magnificent. Her classes were thoughtful and thorough, and she has a natural knack for pinpointing the needs and skills of unfamiliar young dancers. Her movement style is organic, yet technical and full of risk-taking. In presenting her rope and harness work, Ms. Luttringhaus was knowledgeable and clear - it is obvious that she leads the field. This is, in fact, one reason I pursued a residency for her at the University of Southern Mississippi. As a teacher I would gladly hire her again. I am sure my students would agree. Karola is most notable as a professional performer and choreographer. She serves as an inspiration for students who intend to blaze their own paths in the field of dance. She was forthcoming in dicussing with students the demands of today's working artists, yet she was gentle in addressing the numerous challenges therein. Her presence in our program was a valuable opportunity for maturing artists to interact with an established one. Karola's performance was inspiring. Her aesthetic is broad and her voice is deeply explored. Again, she is an ideal role model for student artists. In fact, I have already seen her influence in the work of the University of SOuthern Mississippi students. In her performance at the University of Southern Mississppi, Karola went well beyond what I expected, given our technical capabilities, the volunteer nature of the production crew, and the short time frame. When she was onstage, though, she was captivating. And of equal note is Karola as a person. She is absolutely delightful, generous and personable. She is flexible ( a rare trait among artists) and professional. She pulled the best out of my students, and I saw them going the extra mile in working with her. She is easy to communicate with and always positive. As a teacher, choreographer, performer, and person, Karola Luttirnghaus is top notch. Her confidence and vision are inspiring to all who interact with her. If I could, I would solely sponsor her company, and hire her as an addition to my faculty of dance educators at the Univesrity of Southern Mississippi. If you are considering her for a residency or for a grant, she is a sure bet. Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone (contact alban elved) or via e-mail if you have any questions. Sincerely, Stacy Reischman Director of Dance |
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OUT NORTH CONTEMPORARY ART HOUSE Anchorage, AK Gene Dugan co-director written in 2003 press about this production piece description I am writing to recommend the talents of alban elved dance company. AEDC recently completed a two-week National Performance Network residency at Out North Contemporary Art House.The company gave three public performances of "MiDi" in Out North's black box space. Outreach activities included post-showdiscussions, and sessions at the University of Alaska Anchorage for Dance Appreciation and Dance Composition classes. Additionally, they worked with 20 teens from Out North's lower-income neighborhood in creation and public performance of an original dance piece involving all the workshop participants. This week-long daytime workshop was held during Spring Break week and included teens with little to no dance experience as well as some with years of training. The members of AEDC were able to work with a wide range of abilities in inspiring the students to think about dance in new and unconventional ways. This was an eye-opener for the workshop participants, as well as their families and friends who attended the performance and enthusiastically asked for an encore! Following this residency two of the members of AEDC traveled to the small town of Homer for "satellite" residency activities with Bunnell Street Gallery and local students. I must add that our space in Anchorage, with concrete floor, is not really suitable for dance, but AEDC was willing and able to work with an obstacle that would have been an impossible barrier for other companies. Out North is pleased to have offered Alaskans the unique multidisciplinary performances and residency activities of alban elved dance company. Sincerely, Gene Dugan. |
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PROJECT SPACE 211 Winston-Salem, NC Mark Linga president written in 2002 press about this production piece description The alban elved dance company premiered “Lux Eterna” at Project Space 211 as part of last fall’s Arts Ignite Festival. The performance space at Project Space 211 served as an intimate setting for a highly powerful and thought provoking duo performance. “Lux Eterna” illuminated through movement and video projection – the paradoxes of language, dream states and the dissolution/transcendence of self through madness. Sound and video images greatly complemented the dancers disciplined economy of movement. The dancers performed in a tight proscenium – on a hard wood floor with the audience seated on three sides. Principal choreographer Karola Luttringhaus and dancer Andrea Lieske made the physical tightness of the space become part of the performance – at times ascending the support beams toward the ceiling at other times descending down close to the floor – into the receding darkness. What was most striking about the performance was the degree of intimacy between audience and dancers. This contributed greatly to the audience’s experience. The performance was sold out. Project Space 211 was very pleased and proud to present this new work by the alban elved dance company. PS 211 greatly supports the dance company’s commitment to expanding the vocabulary of contemporary dance by incorporating visual imagery and new technology in profoundly powerful ways. We look forward to future collaborations with the alban elved dance company. |
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Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County Winston-Salem, NC Robert Chumbley head of the arts council written in 2003 It is with pleasure that I write this letter in support for the alban elved dance company. I consider this dance company not only to be an enormous asset to our community, but also an emerging tour de force in the world of contemporary dance. The Arts are important in all aspects of our lives. Since alban elved is the only world-class interdisciplinary contemporary dance company of this level in Winston-Salem, so I feel extremely fortunate that we have such an asset in our community. Alban elved has contributed in a consistent and dedicated way to the lively art scene and expanding clientele we now enjoy in Winston-Salem. In addition to excelling in the performing arts they are active in arts education. The arts council is proud to have been able to help incubate alban elved in this community. The company received a Winston-Salem Arts Council grant for an ‘arts in education’ project with local high and middle schools as well as for the design and construction of the movement to midi converter, their first interdisciplinary project making use of computer and laser technology. This innovative company is extraordinary in several ways, as they embrace emerging technologies in order to enrich the palette used by performing artists. Their collaboration with scientists and engineers, their dedication to bringing people together to share the performing arts makes alban elved extraordinary. alban elved’s work is expansive and life affirming, unusual, fresh and groundbreaking. It is noteworthy that alban elved dance company has created so many works for this community with very little in the way of fiduciary support. Their discipline has lead to an effective and refined process that makes the most of human and monetary resources. I have had the opportunity to bring alban elved into our theatres as part of last year’s ArtsIgnite festival. They performed pro bono for the opening event of ArtsIgnite, where they shared the stage with Mayor Allen Joines. Both productions that alban elved presented for ArtsIgnite received exemplary reviews and greatly contributed to the festivals success. Since 1999 alban elved has performed extensively in this community, offering 2 new major productions a year and several smaller venues. This group is thoroughly committed to artistic and technological exploration, grounded in outstanding technique and a highly developed multidisciplinary approach to their work. It is because of their persistence, seriousness, hard work, dedication and real talent and positive impact on our community, that they deserve to be supported in their work. Since 1999 the company has grown steadily, artistically and economically. But times are hard for small arts organizations. We do everything to support alban elved, so we can keep them here. Modern dance companies traditionally struggle for survival and very much depend on local support. I encourage you to further support them through this grant toward salary assistance. Alban elved dance company is giving our community a gift of untold worth. We have a school that grows artists, how much more is it to our benefit to sustain artists as well as starting them. This statement is testament to aedc's importance to our community. If I can answer any questions or provide additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. |
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WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY Winston-Salem, NC John Friedenberg director of theatre written in 2002 ...The company (alban elved dance company) is extraordinary in several ways - most obviously in their embracing technology and working with that technology to find the ways in which its own characteristics can be used in tandem with the dance to create a product that is truly collaborative, building on the disparate elements to create a new product, greater than the sum of the elements by themselves. That, coupled with the strength and power of the dancers, technology, the space and the audience. It really is quite magnificent. As director of Theatre at Wake Forest University, I have had the opportunity to bring alban elved into our space, to watch as they work with our students, to watch as they adapt their work to our space and then in peformance, to make it accessible, entertaining and magical! As part of a perormance earlier this year ("MiDi"), a post show discussion with the company, including the designers and musicians in addition to the dancers, was very well attended (as you know, this isn't always the case). The audience (both young and old) was very involved in the very informative discussion which, prompted by the audience's questions, continued for nearly 45 minutes. The articulate responses made it obvious how much the performers loved and believed in their work and how much they valued and cared about their audience's response and understanding of what they were about. I was not surprised to learn of Karola's work in the local public schools - obviously there is an appreciation for and love of learning that dovetails nicely with the work the company is doing on stage. |
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INTERNATIONAL AERIAL DANCE FESTIVAL Boulder, CO Nancy Smith artistic and executive director written in 2002 2001 press about this production 2002 press about this production 2001 piece description 2002 piece description Working with Alban Elved Dance Company was a joy from start to finish. The quality of their work is excellent and was very well received at our annual Aerial Dance Festival right alongside world renowned artists. Also, Karola was terrific about responding to questions, concerns, needs, etc., in a timely fashion and she was always flexible. |
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WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY Winston-Salem, NC Nina M. Lucas director of dance/ head of dance department written in 2001 press about this production piece description I invited Karola Luttringhaus in 1999 to serve as a guest choreographer for our Spring Dance Concert, where she set her work "Inertia" on our dance company. The students loved working with her. She not only offered a dance piece of outstanding quality and emotional expression, but also challenged our students. It was a pleasure to see how positively the students, faculty and staff responded to her work. Her choreography broke the traditional use of the performance space and her work was hypnotizing and seemed effortless. Ms. Luttringhaus's pieces are a visual delight, sensual, and full of life. |
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ART AND CULTURE CENTER OF HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA Hollywood, FL Kathleen Lowe programming director written in 2001 press about this production piece description Bravo! Alban elved dance company's performance at our Center was one of the most innovative, dramatic, outstanding, exciting, and entertaining performances we have presented. The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood was thrilled with the incredible performance you put on, your work "MiDi" takes Modern Dance into a new era, and we are proud to have brought your company to Florida. We are still receiving phone calls of praise from our patrons thanking us for bringing an outstanding dance company to South Florida. The master class you taught at Broward Community College was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by the students - many of whom are your new fans! Your performance shall remain with me as one of my most enjoyable theatre experiences. In addition to the exceptional performances by each dancer, who were strong, energetic and exciting to watch, the lighting and audio productions were outstanding. Thank You so much for the rewarding experience. We look forward to bringing Alban Elved back to Hollywood for an extended residency at the Center. Congratulations on an excellent show! |
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NC SCHOOL OF THE ARTS / ARTS COUNCIL OF WINSTON-SALEM Winston-Salem, NC Marty Rader drama faculty NCSA arts council board member written in 2001 press about this production piece description "Bravo! I recently attended your company's performance of "Aurora - Always Water Everywhere" at Wake Forest University. I had high expectations , having seen your earlier work at the Vintage Theatre, here in Winston-Salem. I was not dissappointed. Your choreography is stunning. Please stay for a while. Your choreography is simply electric. It challenges dancer and audience. You do not limit yourself but explore the limits of both your body and the performance space. Nothing is sacred. Vou proved that you could dance on the floor, in the air and on walls! The opening moment of the copncert with you appearing out of a blackout, flying over my head was an image that will haunt me forever. You used every inch of that theatre in an inspired way. Your work encourages thought. It demands attention. It dares. It provokes and stimulates. Thank You so much for being a part of Winston-Salem. Thank You so much for sharing your artistry with a community hungry for the quality of your work. I look forward to more concerts. If there is anything I can do to help spread the word, sing your praises; please feel free to call on me. |
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VINTAGE THEATRE Winston-Salem, NC Steve Turner owner / programming director written in 2000 press about this production piece description I heartily endorse alban elved dance company. The company played several performances to sold out houses and standing ovations! Since their first performances here at the Vintage Theatre we have established an ongoing collaboration and look forward to hosting the company for future productions. |
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OWSLEY COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL Booneville, KY Todd Mitchell Lukas Hughes founder/head of arts council written in 1998 press for this production piece description The Alban Elved Dance Company creates dance works of socio-critical value. While highly entertaining and extremely creative, the company maintains a very strong visual aesthetic. Their combination of innovative theatricality with fiercely physical choreography causes a captivating dance experience unique to kinetic arts. |
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