Gym and Theater Meet in Aeros

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Las Vegas-style Aeros returns to the Carlsen Center, delighting audiences with an all-new show at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 14-15, in Yardley Hall of the Carlsen Center for the Performing Arts, Johnson County Community College.

Aeros’ combination of Olympic gymnastics and performance arts is like a pirouette on parallel bars. The hybrid form of athletic dance capitalizes on vaults, black flips, split leaps, cartwheels and handstands backed by lively musical scores and lighting wizardry. Aeros made the Carlsen Center part of its first North American tour in 2001, followed by a return engagement in 2003. Aeros (which means “flying” in Greek) features gold medal-winning gymnasts from the Romanian Gymnastics Federation directed by Daniel Ezralow, David Parsons and Moses Pendleton, three choreographers who have revolutionized dance during the last 25 years, in collaboration with STOMP creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.

Male and female gymnasts, ages 19 to 26, achieve superhuman feats with unbelievable speed and height. Their athletic dance embodies muscular strength, equilibrium and the appearance of weightlessness. The gymnasts who comprise Aeros remain active in the world gymnastic competitions. Five are world champions in artistic, rhythmic and sports aerobics, while the others are European champions. Their regimen of rehearsals, performances, training and competition bring an added dimension to their artistry.

Stories are told by small vignettes mixing humor, eroticism, humanity and muscularity. Movement is the means of storytelling. The three choreographers are well known for their dance innovation – Ezralow as founder of MOMIX and ISO Dance; Pendleton as founder of Pilobolus Dance Theatre and MOMIX; and Parsons as former lead dancer with Paul Taylor Dance Company and founder of Parsons Dance Company. Cresswell and McNicholas, who founded STOMP in 1991, are collaborating directors.

Aeros tickets are $30 and $40, available by calling the Carlsen Center box office, 913-469-4445, or online at www.jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter.