Graceful moves sweep Lawrence

Ex-mayor and current city commissioner Mike Rundle learned how to dance “Crazy Legs,” “Sexy Mamas” and the “Prance Pop,” during a hip-hop lesson Saturday.

It’s a far cry from his hobby of barn dance calling, as listed on his city biography.

Rundle joined more than 300 others who participated in the first “Dance Across Lawrence” event.

Participants had the opportunity to attend any of 30 diverse dance classes, including modern, flamenco and East Indian, throughout the day.

“We’re really hoping that it raises the awareness … about dance,” said Karen Christilles, event organizer and associate director of the Lied Center, which sponsored the event with the city of Lawrence, the Lawrence Arts Center and Kansas University’s music and dance department.

Christilles said the classes were well-received, and the event may become an annual tradition.

“I certainly want to get feedback from the dance instructors,” she said. “Everyone I’ve talked to is like … ‘I can’t wait for next year.'”

The event culminated in a show by Armitage Gone! Dance at the Lied Center, directed by Lawrence-native Karole Armitage, dubbed the “punk ballerina” by Vanity Fair.

Other groups gave mini-performances throughout the city during the day. One group, named “Dance Happening,” joined peace protesters outside the courthouse at 12th and Massachusetts streets. Five KU students performed a pacifist dance, led by retired KU dance instructor Joan Stone, who stood nearby with an anti-war sign.

Meanwhile, the music blared out the windows of the second floor of the city’s Parks and Recreation Building, at 11th and Vermont streets. Hip-hop instructor Clara Simmons, also a member of KU’s Rock Chalk Dance Team, showed the mostly college-aged group how to “back it up” and “walk it out.”

But even the young-at-heart gave it their best shot.

“I don’t know a whole lot about hip hop,” said Joanie Starks, 54. “I don’t think my body moves … like hip hop.”

Starks, a physical education teacher and dance instructor for Lawrence Public Schools, said she encouraged her high school dance students to take advantage of the free lessons. It also gave her the opportunity to learn some new moves at the same time.

Elsewhere, the age group was reversed. The swing class at the Lawrence Senior Center drew an elderly crowd, but also had some younger participants, said Christina Gekas, student assistant.

“It’s really cool to see them open to it and wanting to experience it for themselves,” she said of the cross-generational participation.