This Valentine’s Day, Saint Louis Ballet is “In it for the Love” with contemporary flair and a world premiere of a piece set to Beatles music.
St. Louis area native and principal dancer Makensie Howe joined “St. Louis on the Air” contributor Steve Potter to discuss the world premiere and the company.
Choreographer and former New York City principal dancer Christopher d’Amboise is the mastermind behind the Beatles-themed piece entitled “Bedtime Stories,” which also features fun sleep-themed costumes.
“This particular piece, [“All You Need Is Love”], everyone is in it,” said Howe. “We’re running around and partnering together and everyone is intertwined and you don’t know what’s happening next because everyone is just dancing together.”
You’ll also see dance pieces set to “My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Blackbird,” “Norwegian Wood,” “When I’m 64,” and “Imagine.”
Howe is particularly fond of “My Guitar Gently Weeps,” a sassy piece which features the performance of Howe and three other gentlemen.
The rest of the program is also romantic and features a work by Big Muddy Dance Company’s Brian Enos entitled “Bloom.” Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi, who is celebrating 15 years with the company, is also premiering a new work, "Amore Mio."
Howe is originally from Arnold and spent her childhood ferrying between her home and Alexandra Ballet in Chesterfield. She later joined the Houston Ballet and after year returned to St. Louis to perform with St. Louis Ballet. This is her third season. She takes pride in how multi-faceted the company is.
“We have performers from all over the world—Slovakia, Japan, and then places like Oregon,” Howe said. “It is s smaller company but we really love one another and get along with each other and root for each other.”
Next in the company’s season? The performance of “Swan Lake,” which opens April 1.
Related Event
What: Saint Louis Ballet Presents "In it for Love"
When: Saturday, Feb. 13 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: UMSL's Touhill Performing Arts Center
More information.
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
