The Palm: From TAB to Intimate Dance Event

01 Apr The Palm: From TAB to Intimate Dance Event

“Retrograde” is a progressive, intimate dance experience produced and choreographed by Amanda Carlson, directed by Katy Parnello, Friday, April 4, 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Some like it hot.

And few events burn hotter in the region (and now beyond) than the Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Show – with the emphasis on “show.” Think “Project Runway” meets “Chicago.” Add steroids.

Amanda, center stage, being “nasty” at a TAB fashion show

TAB’s gala is the toughest seasonal ticket in town because the event, now 21 years old, continues to improve with age. But the past five extravaganzas – in particular the 2014 happening – were quite possibly the best ever in terms of overall production values, especially the compelling and convincing choreography. Models gyrated explosively disco style, furled and unfurled fetally, stretched catlike and/or crawled languidly, and were altogether edgy, sensuous, and in sync.

Applause for all that jazz goes, yes, to the talented men and women on the catwalk, but mostly to two abundantly talented ladies: Katy Parnello and Amanda Carlson.

Missed it? Want to see what other tricks this dynamic duo can pull out of their pertly tipped hats?

On Friday, April 4, Telluride’s Palm Theatre presents “Retrograde” a “progressive,” “intimate” dance experience produced and choreographed by Amanda and directed by Katy.

Like the TAB gala, Katy is a multi-media event unto herself: as mentioned, a dancer/choreographer; an actor; and co-creator of a successful fashion label.

TAB fashion show in Aspen, the finale, with Katy, Amanda and former Telluride local Ramona Brunland up front and center.

Amanda is a highly sought-after gymnastics floor and beam choreographer, who has choreographed for teams all over Colorado. She is a teacher of a variety of dance styles (contemporary fusion, modern, latin fusion, hip hop, jazz, ballet and more) at venues such as  Palm Arts, Dance, Creative Arts (Brooklyn, NY), Telluride Dance Academy, Weehawkin Dance, The Ames Conservatory, Black Canyon Cultural Arts, and Telluride Gymnastics. Amanda has also coached cheerleading teams.

And it was Amanda who dreamed up the ideas that evolved into “Retrograde.”

Though short (about 20 minutes), the piece is densely packed, including styles such as, street jazz, contemporary floor work, aerial, house, and more. The action progresses through the Palm dance studios, lobby, and theatre, the audience moving with the cast, which includes trained dancers, Telluride locals, and Palm Arts dance students. (Those who attend should expect to dance a little themselves.)

Following each performance, ushers will direct the audience to the Bean, where Amanda and Katy plan to debut their talents as DJs.

“Retrograde” is free.

“I am mostly living in NYC, where I am studying at the Broadway Dance Center. There I get to see free performance art any night of the week. I wanted to bring that concept back to Telluride.”

To learn more about “Retrograde” and Amanda herself, click the “play” button and listen to our chat.