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On Monday, The Omnibus Show welcomed Olivia Payton, Director of Social Media for The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre.
Payton explained the many hats she wears, as well as what the dance theatre is all about. She shared the exciting new shows coming up, as well as advice to aspiring dancers – and anyone who has a goal like dancing – in life.
The Omnibus Show is Carmel’s No. 1 podcast, hosted by Dave Gibbs and produced for people who love interviews of interesting and accomplished people and who are life learners themselves.
Payton started as a dancer herself. Hear about the rather “picky” situation she found herself in as she started her dance career, and how that developed into her dancing from here to New York and back again.
Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre is the resident professional dance company at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel and performs at The Tarkington Theater. The founder, Gregory Hancock, brings a unique perspective to the shows he chooses to put on. The shows highlight international cultures, diversity, and creativity, and they reach out to a wide variety of people. Payton pointed out the diversity of the shows presented – everything from a murder mystery ballet to a modern take on Exodus from the Old Testament.
Payton offered her outlook on what Gregory Hancock is all about.
“I always tell people, it’s like when you go into someone’s home, it’s like you learn a lot about someone if you look at their music and their books,” Payton said.
Looking at the shows presented, it is clear to see the values and art that Gregory Hancock is sharing with the community.
The dance theatre does large shows, like those at The Tarkington, but also smaller pieces at the home theatre, The Florence, also located in Carmel. It is here where the dance theatre’s next show, The Mélange Series, will take place. This is an improv series where the audience will experience art coming to life in front of their eyes. It features a musician, a dancer, and a visual artist. Payton will fill the role of the dancer in the next of this series, which takes place May 18 and 19.
“She [the musician] has the blueprint for everything,” Payton said. “So, she knows what she’s singing. The dancer, myself, doesn’t know anything. So, I get to walk in and improv. In front of all these people, I hear the music for the first time, which is a very unique experience.”
On June 7 and 8, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre will close out its 26th season with Sagas and Superstitions.
For more information about the dance theatre and the shows, visit gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org.
Chastain
Next week’s guest on The Omnibus Show will be Anne Marie Chastain, Executive Director of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, speaking about, among other things, the Summer Series for the CSO.
About The Omnibus Show
The Omnibus Show is Carmel’s No. 1 podcast, hosted by Dave Gibbs and produced for people who love interviews of interesting and accomplished people and who are life learners themselves.
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