Programs and Events
Dance Performance Wows Sold Out Crowd in Astana
The National Opera and Ballet Theatre,
Astana, September 23
American choreographer Peter Kalivas treated Astana to a contemporary dance performance featuring professional dancers from The National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Astana and children from the Palace of Youth, on September 23 at 18:00 at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Astana. Kalivas' work has been described as "beautifully sculpted and athletic, with a fun and entertaining quality." The Astana performance was a sold-out, standing room only triumph. Ambassadors and staff representing Norway, Great Britain, Italy, India, Japan and the United States and a crowd populated with young dance enthusiasts stood and cheered with the last leap of the dance in a standing ovation, seven curtain calls and an encore. Television and local press throughout Kazakhstan likewise applauded the event.
Kalivas' performance was the second in the series of "Splash!" events celebrating the move of the U.S. Embassy to Astana. Kalivas said the concept was inspirational for him in designing the concept for Saturday's performance. “Water has always maintained a tranquil quality. An organic cleansing nature and with this idea I want to create work that has a sense of timelessness and landscape. Reflective of the current contemporary surrounding with a feeling of hopefulness and future while at the same time showing respect to traditional and present cultural values.”
"Pathways of Water - Splash" was created during a three week residency for ten dancers of The National Ballet of Astana and thirty children of the local performing arts school. The dance features the rhythm, celebration and timeless landscape of Greek composer Yianni, large projected photographic murals by Tiawanese artist Ting-Yu Chen and costumes and make-up eluding to the ocean's whimsical life in the waves, tides and splash through movement ending in a literal foray of confetti and joy.
The owner of PGK Project, Peter Kalivas teaches technique, partnering, composition, and choreography in universities, colleges, festivals, and companies worldwide. Kalivas has been a respected dance artist for 21 years and has worked with over 15 companies and various artists around the world. He has created his own style of dance, incorporating athleticism, grace, and moves described by The Los Angeles Times as “beautifully sculpted.”
Kalivas has taught or has had work presented at International Dance Festival (New York), California Institute of the Arts (Los Angeles), Stamping Ground Dance Festival (Australia), Celebrazione della Musica e Arte (Italy), and many others. A Fulbright Scholar, he has also received many awards and fellowships, including the “BRIO” award in 2003, an Independent Artist Fellowship from the Florida Council for the Arts, an Astral Career and Development Grant from the Endowment for the Arts, a CECARTS Fellowship for projects in Eurasia, Tommy Award for Excellence in Performance, and the highest award from the Panoply Festival for Choreographic Achievement. View photogallery