Choreographer returns to hometown to share the performance of a lifetime

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After a celebrated run in New York, a local choreographer returned to his hometown to share his passion for dance.

"I think it brings a certain level of caliber of dance that is different from what's made here or anywhere else in the country and so I just like the thought of sharing that with this audience," said Peter Stathas, the creative principal for Peter Stathas Dance.

Growing up in Hales Corners and working in the dance industry for decades, Peter Stathas says he was eager to share his art with his community.

"I think this is a very exciting group of people and I think seeing the possibilities of how they dance and move and the meanings of what they do can inspire people."

Stathas's New York based modern dance company, Peter Stathas Dance recently took to the stage at Danceworks in Milwaukee with one of his latest projects "From Where We Ascend/Wake.

"It's kind of a sing song kind of concept, not a retrospective, just honoring what we've done and how to look back at it," said Stathas.

The 75-minute performance features three different pieces accompanied by video projections from local filmmaker Sean Kafer.

A portion of the performance focuses on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic left on the world.

"It was a way of coping at the time when we couldn’t get together as dancers," said Stathas. "So, we got together you now via iPhone's and other ways of trying to create choreography and something creative."

He says the dancer's movements and storytelling reflect the evolution of where we've been as a society, where we are and where we must go.

"Dance is a way for me to sort of cope with the world," said Stathas.

Lauren Twomley, who has been dancing for Stathas since 2018 says this particular performance is like no other.

"Theres just this really beautiful offering of different perspectives kind of looking back at where we've come from and where we’ve started in 2018 and all of the craziness that has happened and is still happening in the world," said Twomley. "How we as people connect with that and process that."

Twomley says their art and movements within the project constantly continues to evolve and change.

"The way that Peter's choreography lands, just like hits home very differently every time we perform it," said Twomley.

Twomley says their performance creates a journey of renewal, creating a space for reflection and connection.

"I really just want the audience to see who we are, who we were, how we've evolved," said Twomley. "Be inspired by change. To be inspired by having an open mind and having the willingness to be vulnerable and connect with others and to be seen."

Stathas hoping to leave a lasting message with his hometown.