AURORA April-May 2019

CArtsR & HistoryE AWorthT DiscoveringES

A Musical about Hope and Change at the Aurora Fox Mary Louise Lee and Nathaniel Waite-Lutz as Caroline Thibodeaux and Noah Gellman (also played by Sophia Dotson) in the Aurora Fox Arts Center production of the musical, “Caroline or Change.” MESSAGEfrom the Editors

It is time to put your dancing shoes on, get on the dance floor and pretend to be a hydrogen atom. Or would you rather be a carbon atom? Those were the two choices at the 1939 American Chemical Society meeting in Baltimore where a group of Maryland chemists decided to stage a “chemical ballet.”

The performance told the story of a scientist who tries to synthesize radioactive benzene from acetylene with the aid of an atom- smasher complete with four hydrogen atom dancers, two carbon atom dancers and the Betsy Wolfe (left) and Mary Louise Lee (right) dance of ethyl alcohol. You cannot deny the allure of dancing atoms, which is perhaps why science and dance tend to collaborate. In a study just released this year in “Trends MEGA TALENT in Neuroscience and Education,” researchers Takes Center Stage studied two groups of fifth graders: one that integrated some form of the arts, and another The Aurora Fox Arts Center will play She is a dedicated ambassador for that did not. The topics were astronomy, life science, chemistry and environmental host to two mega-talents this spring! the region’s vibrant arts and cultural science. Colorado’s own internationally celebrated communities, and when not on stage, Lee star, Mary Louise Lee, will take on the spends her time growing her foundation, In the standard group, students displayed title role in “Caroline, or Change,” and Bringing Back the Arts, which combines knowledge by completing a chart or Broadway darling Betsy Wolfe will her passion for arts and education. presenting the information orally. In the arts- integrated group, they displayed knowledge share an evening of songs and stories at Wolfe joins the Aurora Fox as the through a variety of arts-based activities such Tthe April 27 Annual Aurora Fox Gala. as dance, tableaux, singing or drawing. featured performer at this year’s gala. Lee makes her return to the Aurora Fox She has established herself as one of her Overall, the researchers found no significant Mainstage in “Caroline, or Change.” This generation’s most versatile Broadway differences in the amount of content the kids captivating story transports audiences to performers, recently starring as Jenna in retained, but the arts-infused approach had a positive effect on “struggling readers.” the racially charged south at the time of the the Tony-nominated musical “Waitress.” Ten weeks later, those kids remembered Kennedy assassination. Lee was last seen Prior to that, she played Cordelia in significantly more science content learned at the Aurora Fox in the New Year’s Eve the Broadway revival of “Falsettos,” through the arts than those who were taught Cabaret, “Blues to Broadway.” Other local which aired on PBS. But she is perhaps using conventional methods. The researchers work includes “Lady Day at Emerson’s best known for her critically acclaimed concluded, “Arts integration can provide another vehicle to support learning for all Bar & Grill” (Denver Center/Galleria performance as Cathy in the Off-Broadway students, especially for the most vulnerable Theatre), “1940’s Radio Hour” (Arvada revival of “The Last Five Years.” learners in our nation’s schools.” Center), “Ain’t Misbehavin” (Littleton Town Hall Arts Center), “Uncle Jed’s Wolfe’s other Broadway credits include This issue of Aurora Creates is filled with Barbershop” (DreaMakers Productions), “Bullets Over Broadway” and the revival opportunities to integrate arts and science: of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” A few Our cover story uses theatre to explore “Annie” and “The Wiz” (AfterThought issues of racism and economics. Astronomy Theatre), “Menopause the Musical” blocks east of Broadway, she appeared is explored at the Aurora History Museum. (Denver Civic Theatre), and “Smokey as Beth in the City Center’s Encores! Physics is a part of the new public art on The Joe’s Café” as BJ (Theatre Aspen). production of “Merrily We Roll Along.” People’s Building. And our story about four dancers turned dance educators is filled with Lee’s work has also taken her cross It promises to be an exciting April at lessons straight from Psychology 101. county in several national tours the Aurora Fox Arts Center with these So the next time you want to know how to and as a featured performer at the two stars, so don’t miss your chance help your kid with science, put her or him in Democratic National Conventions in to see them in person. Tickets to an art class! 2004, 2008 and 2012. She has appeared both “Caroline, and Change” and the internationally with the U.S. Department annual gala are available at AuroraFox. of Defense, and was also featured on org, or by calling the Box Office at “America’s Got Talent – Season 9.” 303.739.1970. See you at the theatre! 1 |AURORA CREATES Michelle Ballard Samantha Amos Erin Buterbaugh Minda McGurk MORE THAN DANCING One of the city of Aurora’s proudest how their experiences at ADA had Now that they’re teachers, they each have accomplishments in the arts field is the taught them much more than how to their unique gifts to share. Buterbaugh, Aurora Dance Arts (ADA) program. In pirouette en dedans, freestyle or shuffle who’s been teaching with ADA for 1973 the city offered it first dance classes, off to Buffalo. For McGurk, dance 15 years, loves being able to help her and by 1976 ADA had become a year- taught her to trust her heart and to young dancers develop artistically and Oround program. In 1989 ADA offered pursue the things in life that made her technically. Amos, who’s only in her its first production of “The Nutcracker happy – and not necessarily the things second year of teaching, is developing Ballet.” This past December, more than other people thought she should do. a new appreciation for all that her 2,200 people experienced ADA’s three teachers did for her as she was growing sold-out public performances of “The Ballard learned about kindness: up dancing and learning and using Nutcracker” with live music by the “Studying dance taught me how to that appreciation to understand how Aurora Symphony Orchestra. Today, express myself without words. It taught powerful her impact is on her students. ADA serves more than 1,200 students me how to express my soul through through more than 200 classes taught such a beautiful art form. I made my McGurk loves the “magic” of dance. “I by 20 highly qualified instructors. very first friends in dance and still have have been teaching for ADA for 20 years. them as friends to this day. Dance taught I don’t ever remember a moment when I Aurora Dance Arts, however, is much me empathy, compassion and love.” wasn’t a part of ADA. I love the ‘ah-ha!’ more than a dance school. It is a home moments: the times when a student is – both creatively and socially – for its Dance taught Buterbaugh about the nearly in tears, and I encourage them to students and teachers, as four of its importance of hard work: “Ballet try just one more time, and they get it! It current teachers can attest to having taught me the importance of making happens! And I was there to witness that been ADA students themselves. a personal commitment to the things moment! It’s incredible and special.” you’re passionate about. Just showing up Samantha Amos, Michelle Ballard, Erin and going through the motions was not For Ballard, it’s all about helping her Buterbaugh and Minda McGurk all enough; your parents driving you to class students understand the benefits of hard began their dance studies at an early age every week didn’t automatically mean work. “I have been teaching for ADA and immediately fell in love with dance. you would advance. If you really wanted for almost 20 years. I started teaching to McGurk and Ballard both started at age to improve, you had to push yourself be able to share my love of dance. Over 4. Amos and Buterbaugh started at age and make yourself do the work in class the years, however, I have witnessed 8. Growing up in the ADA family was – the teacher couldn’t do it for you. how my fellow teachers and I teach filled with memorable moments for these You had to care and put in the work.” our young dancers discipline, how to four talented teachers. Amos remembers be outgoing and how to be confident. Amos learned self-acceptance: “I think misplacing her hairbrush in the dressing And when I see their faces light up on one of the most important things I learned room before her last performance of stage dancing, and they know what it as a dancer was to accept and embrace “The Nutcracker.” In response to her means to be a dancer because they have who I am. There is a stereotypical body plea, “Where is my hairbrush?” everyone worked so hard all year, I think that is type for a dancer, but I love that ADA started singing “Oh, Where Is My the most rewarding thing for me.” Hairbrush?” (a song from VeggieTales). has no reference for the stereotype. I was “It was hilarious and a great expression never pressured to be skinnier, to lose To learn more about the city of Aurora of the friendship that we all had.” weight or told that I couldn’t be a dancer Dance Art Program, visit because I was ‘larger’ than average. ADA AuroraGov.org/Dance As the four girls grew into young taught me how to love my body and to women, they began to understand appreciate it as my instrument of art.”

April-May 2019 | 2 april

03 Cabaret Series - Sharon 19 Opening Night: Dwinnell/David Norris: “Love “The Boys in the Band” $ Through the Ages” $ 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Vintage Theatre Vintage Theatre “Song Slam” $ 04 First Thursday ACAD Mixer 7 p.m. 8 p.m. Denver Art Song Project ACAD The People’s Building 05 Opening Night: “Caroline or 20 Ukulele and Hula Lessons Change” $ 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Aurora History Museum Runs through May 5 Aurora Fox Arts Center “Stephanie Ann Ball Fashion and Opera” $ 06 Last Call: Drink Local at the 7 p.m. Aurora History Museum $ The People’s Building 1 – 5 p.m. Aurora History Museum “One Evening des Hommes - For Men, by Men” “Morph Masters: How Disability 4 – 6 p.m. Made Famous Artists Awesome!” Roshni $ ACAD 2 p.m. Phamaly Theatre 24 Primavera/Earth Day The People’s Building with Su Teatro Noon 13 Brazil’s Latin Fusion Metropolitan State University of 1 – 5 p.m. Denver and Colorado Folks Arts Solo art exhibition by Brazilian Council artist Jiacuy Roche and Colorado’s Aurora Fox Arts Center Bella Diva Dance Company. Stanley Marketplace Cabaret Series - Rekha Ohal/ Leonard Barrett Jr., “Get Your Ears Swoll: “Sinatra: Unplugged” $ Chapter 5” $ 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Vintage Theatre Showcasing local independent musicians 27 Antique Appraisal Fair The People’s Building benefitting the Aurora History Museum 14 Aurora Symphony Orchestra 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Chamber Works Concert Aurora Central Library 3 p.m. The People’s Building The Aurora Fox Gala $ 6 p.m. 17 Lecture: Exploring Space Dinner at The People’s Building Resources $ followed by performance by Noon – 12:45 p.m. Broadway Leading Lady Betsy Aurora History Museum Wolfe at the Aurora Fox Art Center. Cabaret Series - Liz Brooks- Larsen: “It’s De-Lovely!” $ 7:30 p.m. Vintage Theatre

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01 Cinco de Mayo Event 11 Ukulele and Hula Lessons date Noon 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cinco de Mayo with Fiesta Aurora History Museum Colorado, Aztec Dancers, Michael Paff, and German Ompah New American Theatre Metropolitan State University of Festival Denver and Colorado Folks Arts 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Council Roshni Aurora Fox Arts Center ACAD

02 1st Thursday ACAD Mixer 15 Lecture: Suborbital Flight $ 8 p.m. Noon – 12:45 p.m. ACAD Aurora History Museum 03- 18– Big Ink 04 Aurora Potter’s Guild Spring 19 “Rodeo: A Celebration of the the art of making large Pottery Sale American West!” $ woodcut prints Saturday, Noon – 8 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Red Delicious Press Community College of Aurora Aurora Symphony Orchestra June 8 – 9 Student Center Rotunda Aurora Fox Arts Center 04- 05 Aurora Cinco de Mayo Water Wise Art Exhibit Saturday, Noon – 8 p.m. featuring Westwind Artists Sunday, Noon – 6 p.m. ONGOING Aurora Municipal Center, Fletcher Plaza 2nd floor Mezzanine Gallery April 2 - May 30 “Broadway Bound” $ EVENTS New American Stories - Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. “Drink Local: Aurora’s Craft Beer dance/theatre for middle/high school Aurora Singers Scene” students East Middle School Aurora History Museum Fridays, 1.30 – 3 p.m. 1275 Fraser St. Through April 7 Roshni ACAD 05 Closing Performance: Drink Local Craft Brew Passport April 5 – 26 “Caroline or Change” $ Aurora History Museum and 2 p.m. participating companies “Caroline or Change” $ Aurora Fox Arts Center Through April 7 Aurora Fox Arts Center April 5 – May 5 “Every Brilliant Thing” $ 10 Opening Night: “The Language Vintage Theatre Walking Tours: Archive” $ Through April 14 Stanley Marketplace $ 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Vintage Theatre “One Small Step: April 13 – May 18 Fifty Years Later” Aurora History Museum “The Boys in the Band” $ 10- Through July 21 Vintage Theatre 11 Cabaret Series: April 19 – May 26 Jalyn Courtenay Webb $ Exhibit: “Edible” 7:30 p.m. Artworks by DAVA youth exploring Exhibit: “Hometown Pride: Student nutrition for the body and mind Athletic and Extracurricular Aurora Fox Arts Center Studio DAVA History Theatre Through June 7 Aurora History Museum April 23 – Sept. 29 Lullabies mothers/children singing group “The Language Archive” $ Mondays, 12.30 – 2.30 p.m. Vintage Theatre ACAD May 10 – June 16 April 1 - 29

April-May 2019| 4 ART IN MOTION activates The People’s Building How many art forms can you find depicted The People’s Building as specializing in BEST IN in “Art in Motion,” the new mural on The “fringe style art and pop-up events.” People’s Building? David Garcia’s lively Garcia’s mural has depicted that SHOW Carina Bañuelos-Harrison mural bursts with the uncontainable energy essence perfectly. and joy of creation and discovery. Whether A photograph by Aurora Art in actively involved in creating art, experiencing Here is a short summary describing how public Public Places Administrative a profoundly moving performance, hearing art projects, such as this mural, come about. Assistant Carina Bañuelos- Ha new form of music for the first time, or Once a public art site has been approved watching a dance from another culture, Harrison was chosen as by Aurora’s Art in Public Places “Best in Show” at a juried Garcia has captured that exuberance and Commission, a separate Art Selection exhibition titled “Showing Our shares it in a mural that makes us want to Panel is developed for each project. Panel get up and dance without emitting a single members generally include the project Community” on the Anschutz sound. This is the magic of “Art in Motion.” manager, the project architect or landscape Medical Campus in Aurora. architect, a member of the community, Garcia’s vivid mural depicts the types of an artist, a member of the commission, a At the opening, Bañuelos- adventurous cultural activities that are actually City Council member, and a representative Harrison and 26 other occurring within The People’s Building. of the group(s) that use the building. photographers spoke about A sampling from recent months included the inspiration behind Evolving Door Dance’s “A Rip in the Sky Though intense, public art selection is their photographs. For her an interesting and important process that Mending the Moon,” Thursday night Colfax image, “Mural Work,” she ends with the panel recommending its top Comedy, The People’s Building Square proposal from participating artists to the Art said, “The people in ‘Mural Dance, Pillars of African-American Art in Public Places Program. Larger budget Work’ represent my local art Songs, and the Aurora Symphony Orchestra projects have a multi-level approval process community/family.” Chamber Works. The People’s Building also that ultimately ends with City Council. houses two resident organizations: Inside the The photographs in the exhibit Orchestra and Nueva Escuela de Música. If you are a community member or an artist were selected from about 300 Diverse and eclectic are words that might interested in serving on an art selection panel, applicants. help define this hub of creativity. Curator and please contact the Art in Public Places staff at Facilities Coordinator Aaron Vega describes [email protected].

The One, The Only, The Legend SANDY HAS RETIRED It is with great sadness and admiration Sandy gave us everything we could that the Aurora Creates team bids a have ever asked for in a graphic happy retirement to our wonderful designer. She was an effective problem- graphic designer, Sandy Kaunisto. solver who could balance strategy, Doing the graphic design for an arts spontaneity, intelligence and creativity. and culture publication is a daunting She knew how to make our stories assignment because expectations are come to life and elicit emotions through high and the personalities with whom design and images. Most importantly, the designer works are frequently Sandy was a great listener and observer opinionated. Design is a solution to a who used her talents to understand, Sandy, you will be missed. Thank you for problem. No design works unless it empathize, synthesize and glean your friendship and 18 beautiful issues! embodies ideas that are held in common insights that enabled her to read our Sandy Kaunisto by the people for whom the object is minds (when our words weren’t clear) intended. Somehow Sandy always in order to make the invisible visible. 5 | AURORA CREATES managed to bring us all together.

ARTS AND CULTURE IN AURORA CITY PROGRAMS OTHER ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS AND VENUES Art in Public Places Multiple locations 5280 Artist CoOp 303.739.6747 1400 Dallas St. AuroraGov.org/PublicArt 303.432.9162 • 5280ArtistCoOp.com

Aurora Dance Arts Academia de Ballet Folklórico Multiple locations Nezahualcoyotl 303.326.8308 (Mexican Folklore Dance Classes) AuroraGov.org/Dance ACAD, 1400 Dallas St.

Aurora Fox Arts Center Aurora Artists’ Guild 9900 E. Colfax Ave. AuroraArtistsGuild.com 303.739.1970 AuroraFox.org Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) Aurora History Museum 1400 Dallas St. 15051 E. Alameda Parkway 303.913.7508 • AuroraCulture.org Hinkley High School girl’s basketball team. Aurora History Museum Collection 303.739.6660 AuroraMuseum.org Aurora Singers 303.343.3377 • AuroraSingers.org Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora Symphony Orchestra 303.739.7000 303.873.6622 • AuroraSymphony.org AuroraGov.org HOMETOWN Community College of Aurora Aurora Public Library-Central Arts and Communication Dept. 14949 E. Alameda Parkway 303.340.7335 • CCAurora.edu 303.739.6600 AuroraLibrary.org Downtown Aurora Visual Arts PRIDE (DAVA) Aurora Rhythms – 1405 Florence St. Student Athletic and Concerts on the Lawn 303.367.5886 • DavArts.org Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn Grand Design Inc. Extracurricular History 15151 E Alameda Parkway 303.955.2724 • GrandByDesign.org 303.739.6520 Whether an athlete or a mathlete, most students grow AuroraGov.org/Concerts Inside the Orchestra 9995 E. Colfax Ave. up involved in some sort of extracurricular activity. Bicentennial Art Center - Pottery 303.355.7855 Beginning April 23, the Aurora History Museum will be 13655 E. Alameda Ave. [email protected] 303.344.1776 featuring an exhibition that explores the activities and AuroraGov.org/Pottery Kim Robards Dance, Inc. 303.825.4847 sports teams that shaped Aurora’s youth throughout the Centennial House (Historic Site) KimRobardsDance.org years. Come relive the glory days or learn about Aurora’s 1671 Galena St. 303.739.6661 Mushin Martial Arts Wnew generation of students as the museum celebrates AuroraGov.org/HistoricSites ACAD, 1400 Dallas St. Aurora’s hometown pride. Exhibition will run through City of Aurora Nueva Escuela de Música Sep. 29. Cultural Services Division 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Theatre, music and visual arts 720.500.3306 classes at multiple locations NuevaEscuelaDeMusica.org 303.326.8650 Extracurricular activities, community and pride go hand AuroraGov.org/Arts Red Delicious Press and hand. From school music and theater arts programs to 9901 E. 16th Ave DeLaney Farm Historic District 303.366.2922 high school sports teams, thousands of Aurorans engage 170 S. Chambers Road RedDeliciousPress.com 303.739.6661 in extracurricular activities or are raising students who AuroraGov.org/HistoricSites Roshni, Voice of the Voiceless are involved. Multiple locations Fletcher Plaza 720.427.0404 • RoshniIsLight.org 9898 E. Colfax Ave. Vintage Theatre Productions Inc. Activities promote pride in our schools and hometown. The People’s Building 1468 Dayton St. Those who attend events root together as Aurorans. 9995 E. Colfax Ave. 303.856.7830 • VintageTheatre.com Rental Inquiries: 303.739.7310 Hometown athletics and extracurricular programs are Visions Performing Arts 720.620.2316 more than just games or performances—they have shaped VisionsPerformingArtsCompany.org our lives and celebrate who we are as citizens of Aurora. This exhibit displays how our hometown sports and extracurricular activities energize the community, instill pride in it, and create a bond that is passed from one generation to the next. Join us in celebrating Aurora’s hometown pride. Admission to the museum and the exhibition is free. Learn more at AuroraMuseum.org.

April-May 2019 | 6 Classy, Sassy…

Join us for a modern, bilingual retelling of this classic story! The Aurora Fox

GALAFeaturing Broadway Leading Lady

Saturday, April 27

Concert-only tickets still available

Dinner provided by Annette

June 25- AuroraFox.org Auditions: April 13-14 July 13 Cultural Services Programs and Brassy