Know Before You Go Guide

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

A guide to help you navigate your first (or fiftieth) Wellspring concert 

Organization History

Cori Terry, the founder of Wellspring, gained extensive experience and recognition as a professional dancer through her studies and performances worldwide with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. Driven by her aspiration to establish her own dance company, Terry departed from the Hawkins company to serve the role of artist in residence at Western Michigan University. In 1981, her vision came to life with the establishment of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers. Since then, the company has introduced countless individuals to the art of dance, collaborated with various professional artists to enrich the Kalamazoo Arts community, and serves as a platform for the advancement of postmodern dance choreography. Additionally, the company offers a range of dance classes for adults and youth throughout the year, providing a unique opportunity for local dance students to learn from working professionals.The Academy centers its programming around creating a safe, equitable, and inclusive dance environment. Moreover, Wellspring's educational outreach programs, including ABCDance and Ready Movers, contribute to early literacy development and stress management through movement, stories, and music, furthering its commitment to enriching the community through dance and education.

Media Quotes

“Indicative of Terry’s extensive performance credentials with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, her work, “The Center Of …” came stamped with the high released chests, spiraled turns and controlled runs characteristic of classic modern dance. “ - Fantasy, humor, sensuality and malady converge in first day of RADFest. Written by: Jennifer Passios  March 5th, 2023

“Little Worlds" shows a company paying homage to its past with a dedication to Hawkins style movement while also reaching toward a future that looks bright. There’s no bypassing the violence and challenges of this cultural moment and yet the response is to keep putting beauty into the world. Offering voices both old and new, and a commitment to the possibilities within the lexicon of movement, Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers continues to make art with as much devotion and beauty as ever”. Review: Wellspring Finds Beauty in Everything with 'Little Worlds' Written by  Marin Heinritz November 21st, 2022


Wellspring’s information

  • Address: 359 S Kalamazoo Mall Ste 204, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
    - 2nd floor, Epic Center Building 

  • Parking: The Epic Center Parking Ramp has accessible entrances from South St. and  Lovell St. Metered Parking is also available on South St., Lovell St., and the Kalamazoo Mall. 

    • Parking is free on the ramp for 90 minutes, and then $1.75/hour after that. $5 flat fee on Saturdays. Free on Sundays.

  • Accessibility: For those  in need of barrier-free access to the Epic Center, we recommend entering the building through the Epic Center’s front doors, located on the Kalamazoo Mall. The first floor of the building has an elevator, located across from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Suite, that will bring you up to our theater on the 2nd floor!   

  • Concessions: Concessions is located on the second floor with Wellsprings Theater. Please no outside food or drinks. Concessions accept credit cards and cash. 

    • We offer a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as well as a variety of small snacks. Merchandise is also sold at the concessions stand.

  • Tickets: Tickets are scanned upon entering the theater. Please have a mobile device with a ticket available or a printed-out receipt of your ticket ready to be scanned. Please contact our office at 269.342.4354 if you need assistance printing your ticket.

  • Dress Code: The Wellspring Theater has no formal dress code. To get the most out of your experience, we suggest wearing something that is both comfortable and reflective of your personality. 

  • Bathrooms: Bathrooms are located down the hallway from the theater. We have signage posted and staff on site to help direct patrons. 



Style Descriptions

At Wellspring, we embrace all styles and movement styles. However, here is a brief explanation of styles seen frequently on our stage

What is Modern dance?

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, modern dance—an expressive style of movement—emerged as a break from the strict rules of classical ballet. Modern dance provides a dynamic canvas for choreographers and performers to explore the infinite possibilities of the human body in motion. It is characterized by its emphasis on freedom, emotion, and individuality. Modern dance promotes a more spontaneous and natural approach, frequently taking inspiration from ordinary gestures and emotions, in contrast to the regimented and structured movements of ballet. Today, modern dance is still developing, challenging boundaries and captivating viewers.

Reference: Understanding Modern Dance: A Guide to Modern Dance - 2024 - MasterClass

What is Jazz dance?

Jazz dance originated from African American traditions and can be traced back to West African culture. The dance includes a lot of rhythmic movements, syncopated beats, and improvisation. During the early 20th century, jazz music began to emerge and rapidly became popular in the US. It was not long before dancing and music styles merged, giving birth to a new era of dance – The Golden Age of Jazz Dance. The age was marked by a series of remarkable dance moves that matched the fast-paced jazz music of that era. Known for its syncopated rhythms, isolations, and improvisational nature, jazz dance is a celebration of individual expression and musicality. Jazz dance continues to captivate audiences with its versatility, infectious energy, and ability to reflect the ever-evolving spirit of American dance culture.

Reference: The Evolution of Jazz Dance - LiveTheDance is a dance blog - Guides, Reviews, Tips for Dancers

What is Ballet dance?

Ballet dance stands as a cornerstone of the performing arts. Originating in the courts of the Italian Renaissance, ballet evolved into a refined and codified art form in 17th-century France. Characterized by its emphasis on precise technique, disciplined movements, and aesthetic beauty, ballet is known for its formalized positions and vocabulary. Ballets can have a storyline or be plotless. The artistry of ballet extends beyond physical skill, encompassing movement through graceful gestures, emotional expressions, and elaborate costumes. Traditionally accompanied by classical music, ballet continues to enchant with its combination of technical precision and artistic expression.

Reference: A Brief History of Ballet - Illustrated by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (pbt.org)

BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE

Please take your seat upon entrance and read through the program. See if you recognize any songs or themes amongst the pieces. Getting familiar with the performance lets you enjoy the show more! 

Also, look for any sensory warnings within the program. Visually, there might be bright lights, strobe, or more within the production of the piece. Auditory, there also could be loud music or sounds that accompany a piece. Please read through the program to know before encountering it unexpectedly. 

Note that once the piece begins, you will not be able to enter until the piece is complete and there is a transition into the next one. 

Tip: Saying “merde” is a way of telling dancers to have a good show for the packed audience.

DURING THE PERFORMANCE

  • Lights: Lights come on between works. During this time, it would be good to review the program for either the work you just saw or to prepare for the work you’re about to see. 

  • Phones: Phones and other mobile devices must be put away and silenced during performances out of consideration for the performers and other patrons. No photography or videography is permitted during performances. We invite you to sit back and enjoy the show!

  • Clapping: It is traditional to clap after each piece after the lights dim. At the end of the performance, there is a final bow from the performer that allows for cheering and clapping. 

We often have a 10 minute intermission in Wellspring company performances.
We encourage patrons to go to the bathroom or refresh their beverage during this time before settling in for the 2nd half of the performance. 

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE

Please exit the theater and take any belongings or trash you have with you. If you’d like to keep your program for a keepsake, we encourage you to do so! If not, we ask that you leave the program either in your seat or with our staff so we can recycle it for a future performance.

Congratulations: Feel free to see a performer after the show and congratulate them on their performance! Many dancers would love to talk about their work with you.