When Ted Krzykowski joined the Auburn-based Absolute Dance almost three years ago, he was a raw talent with an interest in break dancing. Today, he is part of a professional dance company run by a world-renowned artist.
Photo provided
Lehrer Dance will perform and share its knowledge of the art with young dancers in Auburn this weekend.
Lehrer Dance will perform and share its knowledge of the art with young dancers in Auburn this weekend.
Krzykowski, a member of the Buffalo-based Lehrer Dance, will be coming home this weekend. The 2004 Marcellus High School graduate and the rest of the troupe will participate in a three-day stretch of dance events in Auburn organized by Absolute Dance.
Krzykowski said he is excited to be returning to the town where he broke in his dancing shoes.
“All the dancers I used to dance with can be there, and my family can be there,” said Krzykowski, 22. “It will be awesome to show them how much I have learned and improved in last eight or so months.”
The company will offer a few lectures and performances at Cayuga Community College, which has co-sponsored the events. On Friday, they will give a demonstration and lecture for local students, followed by an evening performance for the public. Saturday afternoon will see Lehrer lead a master class, which is a one-time educational opportunity for advanced dance students.
The weekend will conclude Sunday with a showcase featuring original works from choreographers around the state.
Lehrer Dance was formed last summer by John Lehrer, a dancer and choreographer who has spent time with such prestigious groups as the Erick Hawkins Dance Company and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. Lehrer's group performs a style of dance that blends modern and jazz techniques to showcase what Lehrer describes as “organic athleticism.”
Krzykowski said it has been an honor to work with such a large figure in the dance world. Since joining in July, he has already learned more than he ever expected, he said.
“I'm like a sponge right now, just taking in what I can from everyone,” Krzykowski said. “I'm here for the ride, and I'm going to enjoy it and learn as much as I can.”
When Krzykowski auditioned for Lehrer's company, he wasn't the most technically skilled of the bunch. But the young dancer was a “bundle of energy” with raw talent and plenty of potential, Lehrer said during a phone interview.
“I wanted to grab this kid now while he is young and still formulating his dance voice,” he said. “If I don't grab him now, and if he has another full year of training, I am not going to be able to touch him.”
Though Lehrer has worked and performed in major cultural centers like Chicago and New York City, he opted to start his new company in upstate New York for two reasons, he said.
There are so many professional artists and dancers in the major centers, and a place like Buffalo will allow his group to be part of an up-and-coming arts scene. Second, Lehrer said, he wants to bring more notoriety to the arts in western New York.
“I want Buffalo to be a destination city for professional dancers, not a departure city,” Lehrer said.
Yvonne Hassett, founder and artistic director for Absolute Dance, said this weekend's events will be a “fantastic” way to wrap up National Dance Week, which runs from April 25 to May 4.
“We want people to take the opportunity to experience this, and we want them to open their eyes,” Hassett said. “It is going to be life changing to the community if we can continue to bring these professional companies.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
If you go
What: Lehrer Dance lecture and demonstration
When: 10 a.m. Friday, May 2
Where: Irene Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Cost: Free for middle and high school students
What: Lehrer Dance performance
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 2
Where: Irene Bisgrove Theater
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students
What: Jon Lehrer master class
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Spartan Hall, Cayuga Community College
Cost: $12 to participate in class
What: Choreographer showcase
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Where: Irene Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Info: Call Absolute Dance at 253-0067 or 730-6065
Krzykowski said he is excited to be returning to the town where he broke in his dancing shoes.
“All the dancers I used to dance with can be there, and my family can be there,” said Krzykowski, 22. “It will be awesome to show them how much I have learned and improved in last eight or so months.”
The company will offer a few lectures and performances at Cayuga Community College, which has co-sponsored the events. On Friday, they will give a demonstration and lecture for local students, followed by an evening performance for the public. Saturday afternoon will see Lehrer lead a master class, which is a one-time educational opportunity for advanced dance students.
The weekend will conclude Sunday with a showcase featuring original works from choreographers around the state.
Lehrer Dance was formed last summer by John Lehrer, a dancer and choreographer who has spent time with such prestigious groups as the Erick Hawkins Dance Company and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. Lehrer's group performs a style of dance that blends modern and jazz techniques to showcase what Lehrer describes as “organic athleticism.”
Krzykowski said it has been an honor to work with such a large figure in the dance world. Since joining in July, he has already learned more than he ever expected, he said.
“I'm like a sponge right now, just taking in what I can from everyone,” Krzykowski said. “I'm here for the ride, and I'm going to enjoy it and learn as much as I can.”
When Krzykowski auditioned for Lehrer's company, he wasn't the most technically skilled of the bunch. But the young dancer was a “bundle of energy” with raw talent and plenty of potential, Lehrer said during a phone interview.
“I wanted to grab this kid now while he is young and still formulating his dance voice,” he said. “If I don't grab him now, and if he has another full year of training, I am not going to be able to touch him.”
Though Lehrer has worked and performed in major cultural centers like Chicago and New York City, he opted to start his new company in upstate New York for two reasons, he said.
There are so many professional artists and dancers in the major centers, and a place like Buffalo will allow his group to be part of an up-and-coming arts scene. Second, Lehrer said, he wants to bring more notoriety to the arts in western New York.
“I want Buffalo to be a destination city for professional dancers, not a departure city,” Lehrer said.
Yvonne Hassett, founder and artistic director for Absolute Dance, said this weekend's events will be a “fantastic” way to wrap up National Dance Week, which runs from April 25 to May 4.
“We want people to take the opportunity to experience this, and we want them to open their eyes,” Hassett said. “It is going to be life changing to the community if we can continue to bring these professional companies.”
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
If you go
What: Lehrer Dance lecture and demonstration
When: 10 a.m. Friday, May 2
Where: Irene Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Cost: Free for middle and high school students
What: Lehrer Dance performance
When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 2
Where: Irene Bisgrove Theater
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students
What: Jon Lehrer master class
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3
Where: Spartan Hall, Cayuga Community College
Cost: $12 to participate in class
What: Choreographer showcase
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Where: Irene Bisgrove Theater, Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Info: Call Absolute Dance at 253-0067 or 730-6065
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