Kinesis is New Trier’s capstone dance company, consisting of 23 upperclassmen who work together for nearly six months—all culminating in the Kinesis Showcase. What’s special about Kinesis is the variety of dancers that the company attracts.
Some members are classically trained in ballet, others in a lyrical-modern style, and certain individuals even have a hip-hop background. “What’s unique is that everyone is so willing to learn all these types of dance,” said senior Bridget Morse-Karzen.
“In Kinesis all of our different dance experiences mesh together to form one ensemble,” senior Donna Carnow added, “So it’s exciting to see it all come together in one collaboration of movement.”
While being exposed to different styles of dance is a unique aspect of Kinesis, the fact that 10 of the 11 showcase dances were choreographed by Kinesis members speaks to the opportunity the company provides its dancers.
“Most schools don’t have dance classes let alone a dance division,” explained Carnow. “It’s interesting to see your peers in different roles. One day you’re a choreographer calling the shots, then the next day you’re a dancer in someone else’s piece and you’re a part of their art.”
Senior Rachel Lieberman reflected on her Kinesis experience as both a dancer and choreographer, “I loved the opportunity to really get to learn about dance as an art and not just a technique.”
Although the choreographers were all excited to have the chance to express their vision, the process can also be difficult. “The most challenging part is that you have all of these ideas and creative visions in your head and then you have to translate that into actual movement,” explained senior Brittany Caruso, who choreographed with fellow Kinesian Claire Lindstrom.
Dancers apply to choreograph in the summer where they are obligated to specify their dance’s intent and the number of dancers needed to achieve their vision. This results in all of the dances having specific character and meaning. “Our point of pride is all of the variety in the show,” said Caruso.
For example, choreographers Bridget Morse-Karzen and Naomi Cowan’s dance, Mirame’, was Latin influenced. “Our dance was meant to be a fun, sassy party and for that we had to get our dancers out of their typical dance style because it was more about entertaining and getting the crowd involved,” said Morse-Carzen.
The costuming is another important aspect to the showcase. The choreographers collaborate with costume designer Branimira Ivanova by explaining their dance’s intent, lighting, and the emotion it evokes. After Ivanova watches the dances and goes over the final details with the choreographers she hand-makes all of the costumes.
Fortunately, the result is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. “Getting to see it performed is so exciting and touching as well,” said Caruso. “It’s amazing having your vision come to life through the dancers,” added Morse-Carzen.
What is unanimous among all Kinesis members is the sense of community and bond that develops within the company. “We just morph into this weird but amazing family,” explained senior Clare Driscoll. “It’s such a small group which allows us to get to know each other on such a deep level.”
“It’s very supportive and we’re so ourselves and goofy,” added Caruso, “With Kinesis you have a home and something to be proud of. It really changed my whole high school experience.”
The camaraderie reaches a pinnacle before each show when the members huddle up to talk in the empty auditorium. “You just feel safe being with the people you love and doing what you love,” said Morse-Carzen, “It doesn’t get much better than that.”