Kanopy Dance Company
Divine Mythologies
Anna Sokolow’s Epic “Odes” + Other Luminous Voices
Thursday, April 16 - Sunday, April 19, 2026
Reception following Friday night performance
Promenade Hall
Adults: $56.48
Groups of 4 or more: $50.20
Ages 18 & under / Students: $29.27
Ticket prices reflect sales tax, facility and phone/online fees
Runtime
100 minutes, including one intermission
Age Recommendation
All ages
Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and Kanopy Dance collaborate on a rare remarkable performance of Anna Sokolow’s epic “Odes” to be staged at concerts in both Madison and New York City. An international cultural icon, daughter of immigrants and social activist whose powerful theatrical choreography profoundly shaped the course of modern dance, Sokolow remains a vital force, a voice that was never silenced and is a meaningful touchpoint even now as we cope with the universal challenges of living.
Sokolow’s “Odes,” a choreography in three sections that debuted in 1965, is a luminous, searing vision of humanity, unsparing in its demands for intense physical concentration and dramatic depth. It is set to the music of Edgard Varèse, a progressive French American composer and acclaimed precursor of electronic music.
The choreography poses extreme challenges in timing, dynamics, balance and projection through space and requires performers to work together—so closely that the individual dancers become one yet maintain their individuality. It is a singular artistic challenge as 18 dancers from the two companies join to dance this iconic masterpiece. It is a powerful dance experience not to be missed.
The program also features Lisa Thurrell’s “Ekstasi,” a celestial journey inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica, the cathedral of art in the Vatican City, that chronicles the ecstasy and the agony of pursuing a divine path or transcendence. Staged against a tableau of Renaissance Baroque masterpieces, including those of Bernini, Giotto and Michelangelo, Thurrell’s choreography artfully lifts the company of dancers—ethereal in flowing silks—in their spiritual ascent with a stunning series of ensemble pieces, a solo and duets.
Robert Cleary presents “Transformations,” a tumultuous yet beautiful passage through change and growth of the individual spirit. Events affect and change our lives, and only if we face the journey do we find awareness, balance and harmony.
New York City performances are April 25-26, 2026 at Paul Taylor Studios.
Master Class: Anna Sokolow Technique
Taught by Samantha Géracht
Monday April 13, 2026, 5:30-6:45pm
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Thu, Apr 16, 2026
7:00 PM
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Fri, Apr 17, 2026
7:00 PM
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Sat, Apr 18, 2026
4:00 PM
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Sat, Apr 18, 2026
7:00 PM
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Sun, Apr 19, 2026
2:00 PM
Meet the Guest Artists
Artistic Director, Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble NYC
Samantha Géracht
The Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble is the living legacy company dedicated to presenting Anna Sokolow’s vast body of emotionally riveting works that are relevant to the times we live in and that touch the hearts of all people everywhere struggling with the universal issues of living regardless of differences in place and culture.
Former Principal Dancer, Charlottesville Ballet
Michael Knight
With a classical foundation in ballet, Michael Knight continued his professional training with Elements Contemporary Ballet in Chicago before joining Kanopy Dance Company in Madison for two seasons and cultivating modern dance techniques. Most recently, he performed principal iconic roles and new works for the Charlottesville Ballet.
Thank you sponsors
Underwritten with support from Tom Neujahr & Julie Underwood, Jim Durham - Quarra Stone, Dan McCammon, Reynold Peterson, Terry Haller, Madison Arts Commission, the Evjue Foundation, and other generous support.
Upcoming Dance Events
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November 7 - November 9
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February 4
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Multiple Showtimes -
March 28
Saturday
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Multiple Showtimes -
April 3 - April 5
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Starlight Theater MYARTS
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Multiple Showtimes -
April 4
Saturday
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Overture Hall Main Lobby
Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 11
Saturday
Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance
Rotunda Stage
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Multiple Showtimes -
April 16 - April 19
Dance, Family Friendly, Kanopy Dance Divine Mythologies
Promenade Hall
Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble and Kanopy Dance collaborate on a rare remarkable performance of Anna Sokolow’s epic “Odes," a luminous, searing vision of humanity, unsparing in its demands for intense physical concentration and dramatic depth.
Multiple Showtimes -
April 18
Saturday
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Rotunda Stage
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