Join Fort Wayne Dance Collective as they kick off their 2023-24 season with Collective Expressions on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 19-20, at Purdue Fort Wayne’s Williams Theatre. 

Mandie Kolkman, FWDC’s director, said that each year FWDC staff come up with a concept for the storyline of Collective Expressions. Then they collaborate with their professional company members to develop the idea. 

“Each member of the company has a uniquely beautiful story to tell that has been shaped by the distinct experiences of their lives,” she said. “Through our creative process, we have found unity in our diversity, and we celebrate one another’s artistic vision wholeheartedly.”

Collecting Fort Wayne Artists 

The theme for this year’s show is inspired by Greek mythology. Kolkman said many of the professionals who choreographed the show drew inspiration from poems, movies, and stories that reference Greek mythology. 

Kolkman said FWDC wants to explore the shared energy between audience members and performers by making the show immersive and breaking the fourth wall. This vision will be achieved by collaborating with a variety of local Fort Wayne artists. 

“The second act of this year’s performance will feature a DJ and collaborating artist/designer  Lübs,” Kolkman said. “Audience members will be transported to Mount Olympus through a multi-sensory production introducing a modern tale of ancient Greek gods. This portion of the show will include extravagant lights, original music, floral aromas, and a guest appearance from members of Fort Wayne Taiko.”

According to his website, Fort Wayne DJ Lübs has been “climbing the ranks of being the most talked-about electronic dance artist in the Midwest.” He creates a “four dimensional” sensory experience during his performances. 

“Pumping electricity in every show, Lübs brings the feeling of pure euphoria with Progressive House mashups, the hottest EDM hits, and special moments onstage that will not only move your audience physically, but emotionally,” his site says.

Along with music, FWDC’s professional company has collaborated heavily with lighting designer Luke Holliger. 

“It’s a collaborative process, so without our lighting designer we wouldn’t have the level of production we’re striving for,” Kolkman said. “The lights are choreographed as well, so our lighting designer really helps us elevate the performance. We will be using extravagant lights, not just from the typical places. We will be using intelligent and smart lights that will coordinate with the music.”

If Holliger’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen his lighting prowess on display in numerous Fort Wayne productions at Arts United Center. He brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge to the lighting design for this show. 

Rounding out the list of Fort Wayne collaborators are members of Fort Wayne Taiko, a program of FWDC that is “a traditional Japanese music tradition meaning ‘big drum.’ ”

Fort Wayne Taiko was established in 1997 and “is the first Taiko group in Indiana and one of few in the Midwest.” 

From Origination to Pandemic 

Collective Expressions originated as a concept in 2017 and was first performed under its name in 2018. Since then, it has been an annual occurrence, which audiences anticipate each year — with one exception. 

With COVID-19 derailing the world in 2020, FWDC chose to pivot and “perform” a show called Collective Creations ­— a collection of screen dances. 

During a time of separation, being able to come together in a virtual format helped keep the sense of connection alive among FWDC and its audience. 

Welcoming Pineapples 

Using dance to bring people together and celebrate unique perspectives are values FWDC cultivates in their Pineapple Dance Project, who will have a part in Collective Expressions. 

“The idea behind the Pineapple Dance Project is that it feeds into the professional company,” Kolkman said. “We’re giving them the training that they need to dance professionally.”

Pineapple Dance Project is the youth performance company run under the direction of Ashley Benninghoff. Providing students with technical training is a key aspect of Pineapple Dance Project, but encouraging students from all backgrounds and ability levels to enjoy dance is FWDC’s ultimate goal.

When asked about the meaning behind the name “Pineapple Dance Project,” Kolkman said: “The pineapple is a sign of welcoming. For me, whenever I see the pineapple, I know that anyone is welcome. Any youth can join Pineapple Dance Project.

“The other thing about a pineapple is that it grows up, it grows tall, and it’s sweet at its core,” Kolkman said. “All of our dancers embody these traits.”