MONDAY,SEPT.17,2001 NEWS THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - 3A Ballerina dances with punk flair By Luke Daley Kansan staff writer Deanna Doyle (left), Overland Park junior, gets a little one-on-one instruction with Karole Armitage who was a guest choreographer for Dance Day, sponsored by the University Dance Company. ANTHONY BEYES/KANSAN Karole Armitage sat quietly on an empty bench inside the dance studio at Robinson Center. She watched meticulously as her dancers rehearsed the choreography she had taught them during the past 11 days. While the dancers bent their hips and moved in a fluid manner, Armitage sat still, observing and critiquing their performance. Armitage taught those select members of the University Dance Company a ballet style which she revolutionized — a style many have termed over the years as "punk baller." "There's sometimes puzzle-ment with people who don't know what it is I'm doing and why I'm doing it." Armitage said. "Once a rebel, always a rebel." Armitage was given the title of the "punk ballerina" years ago by spectators and other members of the ballet community who witnessed her work. Her performances and choreography have changed numerous aspects of both ballet and modern dance, fusing together tense styles that compliment and contradict the classic essence of ballet, turning it into a revised form of art. "People really do not understand that dance is a language. It really is," Armitage said. "I love tension because I think it is dramatic, exciting and sexy. Selling the Drama Armitage worked with eight dancers from the University on a piece they performed during "Dance Day" on Saturday afternoon in the dance studio at Robinson Center. The performance, set to the "Mishima Quartet" by Philip Glass, showcased Armitage's choreography style of erily slow, hip-contorting motions and sudden bursts of energetic emotion. Dancer Michelle Whitely, Omaha, Neb., senior, said that while Armitage's techniques were odd, they proved to be inspiring. "It's ballet — and then we go into these weird contorting things, and then it goes back to ballet." Whitely said. Joan Stone, Dance Director for the University, said her students had grown through working with Armitage. "I know that they have enjoyed working with her enormously." Stone said. Kathleen O'Connor, Topeka sophomore, said Armitage remained practical throughout the creative process, with the music providing a sense of calm during moments of chaos. "The greatest thing about working with her is her flexibility," O'Connor said. "It's funky at times, but the music is always there." A Homecoming Visiting KU has been a homecoming for Armitage, who grew up in Lawrence. Her father, Kenneth Armitage, teaches biology at the University and her mother, Katie Armitage, is a well-known historian in the Lawrence community. Armitage said she looked forward to coming home, especially since she only visited about once a year. "Every time I've come back, I've really found it to have those qualities that are genuine," Armitage said. She said she enjoyed putting together choreography for the University because it gave the dancers a different perspective of what dance could be. During an informal interview with Stone after Saturday's performance, Armitage referred to her "punk" style and how she taught the dancers how to embrace it. "I've corrupted them now," Armitage said. Making the Video Armitage, who resides in New York, France and Italy, has collaborated with some of the most influential names in pop music. She created the choreography for Madonna's music video "Vogue" in 1990—a video that won MTV Video Music Awards for Best Direction, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography. In 1992, she choreographed Michael Jackson's music video "In The Closet", which featured super-model Naomi Campbell. "It's interesting to do something that people see," Armitage said. "It was really fun. In a way, it was giving them something that they're surprised they can do," Armitage said. The Element of Surprise She said working with Madonna and Jackson proved to be as much a learning experience for them as it was for her. Creating a feeling of shock among audience members remains a point of emphasis for Armitage, as she tries to keep her work as fresh and disruptive as it was when she started. "Before, it was really controversial," Armitage said. "You have to push your boundaries. Punk gave permission. You could create something powerful." Armitage said ballet was no different than receiving a high from running. "I think once you've been a dancer, you get addicted," Armitage said. "You're putting your own psychology into motion. There's an ideal image that it's bigger than you are and you always aim for that ideal." Contact Daley at 864-4810 Transplant: Student now on kidney dialysis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A Magario said she didn't get her renewal notice to renew her student health insurance for international students. "If the health insurance doesn't pay for my stuff, then I cann't get dialysis. If I don't, then I die," she said. "I'm trying to find out why they won't pay. It's threatening my life and my psychologically. I already have enough stress." Magario's older sister, Rebecca, whom she lives with, has been by her side since 1998. Rebecca Magario said her sister's health problems had been stressful. "It's really hard," Rebecca Magario said. "I have to be aware of everything and talk to people. It's really complicated. I get really frustrated when it seems like things aren't clear." Despite the stress and missing her guide dog Hamlet, Rachel Magario said she was staying positive. Her friends, love for the University and support from her geography and journalism advisers are what keeps her going, she said. "People ask me, 'Why don't I go back home?'" she said. "I'm not a quitter. I worked too much to get here. I'm not going to quit." Dawn Nelson, personal care assistant at the hospital, said she couldn't believe how many people had visited Rachel Magario since she was admitted. "She has so much company," Nelson said. "She's very much loved." "When I was really sick, I was so ready to give up," she said. "I felt alone. But all these people tell me I am not alone and I love them. That changed my mind. Life is worth it." Contact Mendoza at 864-4810 This comforts Magario. Shelter: Services requested CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A "I think that's a great initiative," he said. Through Jubilee Café, a student-run volunteer organization, Adams serves breakfast to the homeless twice a week at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1101 Vermont St. He said he served 20 to 50 people each day, depending on the month. "When I have spare time, I sit down and talk with them," he said. "We encourage our volunteers to talk with them each day." Michele Bennett, Lawrence senior, said she also liked helping the homeless. HELPING THE HOMELESS To get involved, call: "I've been volunteering through random get info@volkswagen.com ■ The Salvation Army at 843-4188. Community Drop-In Center at 832-8864. KU Center for Community Outreach at 864-4073. church programs ever since I can remember," she said. "I wanted to keep that going once I got to college." The City Commission will be discussing shelter concerns at its meeting tomorrow night. Contact Craigmile at 864-4810 Service: Students unite in tribute CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A Mike Rundle, mayor of Lawrence, said the nation's call for vengeance wouldn't answer the call for justice. "I believe we do need to seek justice for this act, and our support should go towards the leaders of this nation." Rundle said. Jason Ridings, St. Louis, Mo., senior, said that in the aftermath of the attacks, he wanted to unite with his fellow students. Hemenway requested a moment of silence. Afterward, people stood for the singing of "God Bless America." I think some of us were looking for answers and if people honestly seek them, seek God or their gods for answers, they will find them," Ridings said. Contact Clarkson at 864-4810 Seek help after U.S. attacks experts tell students By Matt Norton