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
In my second year as director of the Kent Dance Ensemble, I’m excited to announce the artists on our roster for the 2018 - 2019 season. This year Christopher Huggins, Daniel Harder, Renaldo Maurice, and Ray Mercer will be in residence at The School of Theatre and Dance. These world-renowned artists have worked with dance companies spanning the globe and Kent State is thrilled to have them work with the dancers of the ensemble. After a successful year, culminating in the performance of Catherine Meredith’s “Aftermath” at the Kennedy Center, KDE is proud to announce that we have two company premieres and two world premieres this year. To date, we have graced the stage of the Key Bank Theatre during Dance Cleveland’s Dance Showcase and we are excited to be a part of the Cleveland dance community. In the spirit of ongoing success, KDE Alums Morgan Walker will be touring with Cardell Dance Theatre to Boston, Atlanta, Maryland, and Santo Domingo. Austin Coats begins his graduate studies at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and Emily Jarosz has relocated to Seattle, where she teaches dance.
Please join me in welcoming the new members of the ensemble.
Meet the 2018-2019 Kent Dance Ensemble
Support the Kent Dance Ensemble
To support our efforts, please consider making an online donation at the link below or by contacting Linda Motosko at 330-672-8484 or Chris Fornadel at 330-672-8383.
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 lecture/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.
2019 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 [at] kent.edu