Inner Passages: Kanopy Dance Company explores transformation through movement and music

This month Kanopy Dance will be presenting an evocative program that delves into personal and internal explorations through the expressive power of modern dance, “Inner Passages.”

As a company deeply rooted in the Martha Graham technique, Kanopy is known for its ability to translate human experience into movement, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant performances.

Blakeley White-McGuire: Reimagining “These Worlds in Us”

One of the programs highlights is two original dance works choreographed by Blakeley White-McGuire, including “These Worlds in Us.” Originally created for film, this work has been reimagined for the stage, a process that White-McGuire described as deeply collaborative and inspiring.

“It was during a deep period of listening in my life when I found Missy Mazzoli’s music, both heartbreaking and uplifting, as an inspiration,” White-McGuire shared.

Her journey to bring the work to the stage began with a residency at Kanopy last summer, where she worked intensely with the dancers to refine her vision.

“In reimagining the dance for the stage, I shaped my visceral responses to Mazzoli’s music with the company dancers of Kanopy to design the stage space with physical impulses from the music,” she said. “A dancer’s musicality is like their fingerprint—no two are the same, and it reveals so much about a performer.”

White-McGuire quickly recognized a shared artistic language and deep mutual respect between herself and Kanopy.

“These Worlds in Us” now features three sections, including two new solos inspired by Kanopy Dancers Miye Bishop and Stormy Gaylord, as well as two video montages that enhance the piece.

“Working with Kanopy has been a dream,” White-McGuire said.

Cleary & Thurrell: The Final Phase of “Renascence”

“Inner Passages” will also feature the final phase of “Renascence,” a world premiere by Kanopy choreographers Robert Cleary and Lisa Thurrell in collaboration with local composer Michael Bell. The piece, described as a love letter to nature, is set to Bell’s symphony “Regeneration: A Pentalogy” and brings to life the Greek goddess Gaia, the earth’s eternal guardian.

Cleary and Thurrell have crafted a rhythmic journey that mirrors Bell’s composition, with dancers embodying elemental spirits in a transformative exploration of wisdom and renewal.

“The choreography is— like Bell’s composition— a rhythmic journey that celebrates the harmony of connecting with our natural world,” Thurrell said.

The first three of the five movements of “Renascence” were first introduced in Kanopy’s “ConFluence” program last season. The full work will debut in spring 2026 as part of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s “Masterworks” concert, “Regeneration,” in Overture Center’s Capitol Theater.

"We are beyond thrilled and grateful for this truly singular opportunity to perform our World Premiere “Renascence” with WCO under the soaring baton of Andrew Sewell and his incredibly talented orchestra,” said Kanopy Associate Director Susanne Voeltz. “We are also honored to have collaborated with multi-talented artist Michael Bell on this benchmark project.”

Bell reflected on the collaboration, saying, “Working with Thurrell, Cleary and the Kanopy dancers is a composer’s dream. Their artistry and passion for the Earth and our relationship to it have created a true confluence—an ecological dialogue of music and dance.”

This premiere marks a significant milestone in an ongoing artistic partnership, highlighting the evolution of this project from its initial stages to its full realization.

A Transformative Evening of Dance

“Inner Passages” is an embodiment of Kanopy Dance’s commitment to technical excellence, emotional depth and the storytelling power of movement. Audiences can expect a mesmerizing blend of fluid, powerful and expressive choreography that fully integrates Kanopy’s dancers and guest artists.

“Kanopy believes dance has the power to reach, inspire, educate and uplift people of all ages and backgrounds,” Voeltz said. “We hope audiences experience the magic of live performance and the universal connections it nurtures.”

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