Best of HEC-TV 2012: State of the Arts

    HEC-TV’s Emmy Award winning show State of the Arts (SOTA)  is St. Louis’ only program devoted to the region’s vibrant arts community, taking audiences behind the scenes to meet the artists, writers, and performers who call St. Louis home. Since I have only been at HEC for a few months, I asked the incredibly talented SOTA producer Kathy Bratkowski to choose the episode to feature. I couldn’t wait to watch what she had selected.

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    And what an incredible program it was. March 2012’s State of the Arts is worthy of Best of HEC on so many levels it was hard to narrow down the segments to feature in this post.  The in-depth stories of St. Louis’ art, theater, dance and music communities truly bring our city’s incomparable arts environment to life.

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    This particular show reveals a vision for the future of the arts in St. Louis as it is hosted from the then-newly renovated Peabody Opera House. Built in the 1930’s and previously known as the Keil Opera House, the Peabody has been transformed into an ornate landmark with its timeless design that has extended the interest of performing arts in our region. Since its reopening, the Peabody Opera house has quickly become one of St. Louis’ greatest performance venues, and in the words of SOTA host Paul Schankman “is a work of art in itself.” In the show, Paul provides additional details about the building’s history and what was involved in the $79 million restoration project (link to video below).

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    The standout segment of the program spotlights Dances of India– the first Indian dance company established in Missouri. There are a lot of misconceptions about Indian dance, however this St. Louis art group has taken a creative approach in making their culture relevant to new audiences of all ages. For 35 years now, Dances of India has taught Indian history and traditions through their story-telling choreography.

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    “Dances of India brings the beauty and visual impact of a 2000 year old art form. Each movement has meaning, and the dances often relay sacred stories.” 

    Much of Dances of India’s success comes from their ability to relate to their viewers. They do this by incorporating both Indian and Western traditions into their performances.  Their production Magic Grove, for example, is a Cinderella-themed dance drama that tells a story from North India based on a tale in one of their scriptures.

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    “We felt if we could pull in some familiarity with Western culture into the Indian dance, then we could educate people to its richness. So we took a very commonly known story and put it into Indian music and dance.”
    – Thekla Mehta 

    This program includes many other segments that feature the outstanding people and organizations who contribute to the arts in St. Louis:

    Photo by Scott Ferguson

    Photo by Scott Ferguson

    HEC-TV’s Executive Director Dennis Riggs talks to St. Louis Symphony CEO Fred Bronstein about his vision for the growth of the Symphony.

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    Cordell Whitlock looks at the accomplishments of the Black Rep, the nation’s largest professional African American theater group.

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    A profile of Metro Theater Company.

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    Inspired by the Bluebird Café in Nashville, the Songbird Cafe in Maplewood is a new musical experience in St. Louis that offers area musicians an intimate atmosphere to share their music.

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    Photo by Chris Norton

    A profile of Hamiet Bluiett, hailed as the best baritone saxophonist in the world.

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    An ambitious art project launched by artist Cbabi Bayoc in 2012: a new painting each day that depicts positive images of African American fatherhood.

    Image via Facebook.com/SaintLouisTen

    Image via Facebook.com/SaintLouisTen

    Aaron Mermelstein reports on a group of storytellers called the St. Louis Ten who hold roving urban story slams around St. Louis, with unique stories that are hilarious, humorous and heartwarming.

    State of the Arts is a show truly shines a light on  the diverse arts community that St. Louis has to offer. We are so fortunate to live in a city with such a unique and influential arts scene. I hope you enjoy this “Best of HEC-TV” episode of State of the Arts! 

    Click photo to view video

    Click photo to view video