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 and 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 third year as artistic director, I am excited to announce our roster of guest artists for our Spring 2020 season “Emerge.” This year Yoshito Sakuraba, Ray Mercer and Catherine Meredith will be in residency at The School of Theatre and Dance. These guest artists continue to work nationally and internationally, creating works for colleges and dance companies, and Kent State is thrilled to have them working with the dancers of the ensemble. After another successful year performing Christopher Huggins’ “Love Is…..,” which was invited to be a part of the Gala concert at the America College Dance Association East-Central Region Conference, KDE is proud to announce that we have one company premiere and four world premieres this year. To date, we have graced the stages of the Terrace Theatre at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Key Bank Theatre in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square and other regional stages. In the spirit of ongoing success, I would like to say congratulations to KDE alumnae Jordan Thomas, who is contracted with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line; Briggs Van Sickle, who recently accepted a position with DANCECleveland as an administrative coordinator; Bridget Langguth, who has a double major in Nursing and now works with the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit; and to Claire Tilley on her teaching position in Buffalo at the Mary Alice Dance Studio, while she continues on her journey toward a performance career. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and we look forward to another exciting year.
Please join me in welcoming the new members of the Kent Dance Ensemble.
Meet the 2020-2021 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 at 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 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.
2021 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