Kent Dance Ensemble
Since its inception in 1990, the Kent Dance Ensemble, Kent State's pre-professional dance company, has been introducing modern dance to audiences of all ages throughout Northeast Ohio.
Message from Artistic Director Gregory King
Since its inception in 1990 and with the support of faculty, staff, parents and donors, the Kent Dance Ensemble (KDE), Kent State's pre-professional dance company, continues to introduce contemporary modern dance to audiences of all ages throughout Northeast Ohio. In my fifth year as artistic director, I am excited to announce our Spring season “No Permission Needed.” On April 8th the ensemble will perform three world and two company premieres by Hope Boykin, Amy Hall Garner, Stefanie Batten Bland, and myself. The dancers will also perform At What Cost, which premiered at the 2022 American College Dance Association, in Athens Ohio, and received honorary mention for the Gala. Thanks to the guest choreographers for sharing their gifts, and for inspiring the next generation of performing artists. Special thanks to Alexandra Baxter and the entire technical team, for a wonderfully exciting collaboration.
Please join me in welcoming the new members of the Kent Dance Ensemble.
Meet the 2021-2022 Kent Dance Ensemble
Support the Kent Dance Ensemble
To support our efforts, please consider making an online donation at the link below.
Give to the Kent Dance Ensemble Online
About the Kent Dance Ensemble
Under artistic director Gregory King, the company provides a professional atmosphere and structure that prepares its student members to bridge the gap between a college dance experience and working with a professional dance company. KDE produces dance concerts every year, performs at other universities and in neighboring communities, presents lectures/demonstrations at schools in northeastern Ohio, offers movement workshops for all ages and abilities and participates in regional and national dance festivals. The repertory of modern and jazz dance is developed by the company artistic director and by KSU faculty members and invited guest artists.
Educational residencies bring arts appreciation and educational enhancement to the K-12 schools of the region. Fees are modest and are designed to cover production costs for costumes, lighting, publicity and guest artists, and to support travel expenses and workshop materials for their work on tour.
Company Activities
- Dance concerts
- Mini-concerts
- Assembly presentations
- Lecture/Demonstration performances
- Movement workshops
- Dance technique classes/Choreography classes
Annual Kent Dance Ensemble Concert
Every spring, the Kent Dance Ensemble performs its annual dance concert in E. Turner Stump Theatre. The concert features choreography from Kent State School of Theatre and Dance faculty members and guest artists who visit the university in residence during the academic term.
2022 Kent Dance Ensemble Concert Information
Guest Artists
The Kent Dance Ensemble regularly invites guest artists to Kent State University to work with members of the ensemble.
Learn More About Kent Dance Ensemble Guest Artists
For More Information:
Gregory King
Artistic Director
(330) 672-2066
gking16@kent.edu