By Richard Schultz, October 2015 Issue.
Scorpius is a constellation of the zodiac that comprises many bright stars. Scorpius is also Latin for scorpion, a creature known the world over for its inexplicable ability to illuminate under just the right light.
Knowing this, it makes perfect sense that co-founders Lisa and David Starry would choose the name Scorpius to represent their troupe of stars that has been dazzling audiences from under the spotlight since 1999.
As one of the founders of Metropolitan Arts Institute – better known as Metro Arts, an independent, chartered college preparatory arts school in downtown Phoenix – Lisa saw an opportunity to bring a dance company in residency in 1997.
Metro Arts was very supportive of her idea and, two years later, Scorpius Dance Theatre was born.
Lisa and her husband, David, who was also the lead male dancer for more than 10 years, worked as a team to get the dance company off the ground – handling everything from choreography and video work to prop design and marketing themselves.
During Scorpius’ first year, Lisa met Nicole Olson who became the associate director, choreography assistant and the lead female role of the vampire queen in Lisa’s annual signature cult classic A Vampire Tale.
Then, in 2012, Gavin Sisson joined the team and is now one of Scorpius’ lead male dancers, as well as aerial artist and trainer. A key factor to Scorpius’ success and stability thus far, Lisa added, has been its residency at Metro Arts.
Transcending Dance
Since its inception, Scorpius has become known for its fascination with the supernatural as well as its savvy staging of dance, pop music and fashion. But, more importantly, it has established itself as a grassroots company that found its voice to survive economic hurdles as well as its own growing pains to become a vital and permanent part of the Valley’s arts landscape.
While the company has been categorized as contemporary dance, Scorpius defies description by presenting a unique combination of dance, theatre and aerial performing arts.
“I incorporate a variety of dance styles, including aerial, sexy burlesque and hip-hop, while featuring popular music and themes that are current and relevant,” Lisa said.
In addition to creating full-length “story” productions, Scorpius prides itself in its edgy and inspiring repertory works that further showcase the company’s artistry and ongoing quest to serve dynamic entertainment to its audiences.
“Scorpius often appeals to audience members who’ve never attended a dance production,” Lisa said. “Dance doesn’t have to be stuffy and serious! We encourage our audience members to laugh out loud and express their reactions to the performers”.
Additionally, Scorpius aims to engage dance aficionados and dance novices alike with its uniquely accessible and consistently captivating style of performance art.
2015-2016 Season
During a typical season, the dance company performs three to four shows, including A Vampire Tale, which will celebrate its 12th season this year from Oct. 1-10.
A Vampire Tale is the end result of Lisa’s fascination with vampires, which began as a 6-year-old watching “Dark Shadows,” a 1960s television soap opera, and then going to bed with a sheet wrapped around her neck to keep the vampires away.
This annual production, which was initially created as a new Halloween show, evolves each year to provide a fresh take on this cult classic for fans who have made awaiting the latest incarnation of an annual tradition.
The story follows a young woman who is drawn to the dark side and finds herself lured into an assorted band of bloodsuckers. Frightened, yet fascinated by their shadowy showmanship and seductive transactions, the girl struggles to avoid becoming part of their underworld when she becomes infatuated with the king vampire.
A Vampire Tale has received national and international acclaim, including return performances to the Bram Stoker International Film Festival in Whitby, England. Additionally, Lisa said she hopes to create a full feature film to expand her choreography and the show’s characteristic darkness from the local stage to the big screen.
Back by popular demand, the original Catwalk returns to Phoenix Theatre Feb. 25-27. Fashion meets dance on the runway in this high-energy production. Set to a heart-thumping soundtrack, this original contemporary dance production fuses funky local fashions, sexy athleticism with Lisa’s distinct choreography. Scorpius dancers will strut their stuff in 18 different choreographic works plus fashion runway spoofs.
L.O.V.E, a brand new production, choreographed by Lisa and featuring live original music by Kristofer Hill, will close the season April 28-30. L.O.V.E explores the various meanings of the word and the people and things we express our love toward – from romantic partners and family to friends and strangers who touch us in some way, as well as the earth and the creatures who bring joy to many – and will take audiences on a journey of emotions.
Just Dance
Valley duo shares career experience and arts cover
If these faces look familiar, it’s for a good reason. Not only are they both a part of Scorpius Dance Theatre, but hopefully you recognize these two from this issue’s striking cover photo, shot by Ed Flores.
And now you have an opportunity to get to know Angel “Halo” Castro and Elisa Cavallero, Echo’s 2015-2016 Arts Season Preview cover models.
Cavallero, a second generation Phoenician, attended Arcadia High School and trained in dance at Scottsdale Community College. She then pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.
Upon graduation, she moved to Chicago and then Indianapolis to gain professional experience before returning to Phoenix. Cavallero has been performing with Scorpius Dance Theatre since 2010.
Castro started his dance training at South Mountain High School. He attended the ASU School of Dance where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance.
He has danced professionally with many Arizona companies including Scorpius, EPIK Dance Company, the Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad and the Phoenix Suns Solar Squad.
Castro is also the founder, artistic director and choreographer of Halo Movement Collective, which is now in its third season. He received a Nomination for Phoenix Mayor’s Arts Award and was named one of Phoenix’s 100 Creatives of 2015 by the Phoenix New Times.
Echo chatted with both about their lives as dancers, their work with this local dance company and the local arts scene.
Echo: When did you first realize you wanted to be a dancer?
Cavallero: I knew when I was 8. I was allergic to the outdoors so I would spend hours every day improvising to the radio.
Castro: I always knew I wanted to be a dancer, but I grew up in theater and didn’t know any different until my senior year in high school where I decided to make the switch.
Echo: Who are your influences?
Cavallero: I am influenced by my directors and my fellow dancers. I am also influenced by my very supportive and loving husband, JP Cavallero. He always knows what to say to get me on the right track. On a larger scale, I look up to Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, Jiri Kylian and Twyla Tharp.
Castro: I have many influences! I draw inspiration from visual art and music. I am inspired by the designs of Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler. Locally, there many amazing artists that inspire me.
Echo:Please share your insights about dancing with Scorpius.
Cavallero: No two dancers are the same. We are a diverse passionate group of dancers. We are fun, loud and sometimes a little crazy. The bonds we share are irreplaceable. We love what we do.
Castro: You have opportunities for growth and to expand your training into the exciting aerial arts.
Echo:What are you looking forward to in the coming season?
Cavallero: I am looking forward to returning to Whitby, England, to perform A Vampire Tale for our British audience. With the new show L.O.V.E in April, I thoroughly enjoy the process of setting new work with Lisa.
Castro: I am excited to see the new production, L.O.V.E This season, the original Catwalk is coming back. I cannot wait since it is probably my favorite Scorpius show!
Echo: What’s on your dream list?
Cavallero: After performing a solo I choreographed in Austin, I have been inspired to produce my own show next summer. Lisa is always really great about nourishing our desires to create our own work. After seeing so many young choreographers produce shows in Phoenix, I thought to myself, “Why haven’t you done this yet?”
Castro: I am currently also running my own dance company, Halo Movement Collective. My dream is to continue to perform and create work that crosses art disciplines. I would love to continue to explore the fusion of fashion and dance in unconventional spaces.
Echo:What’s your impression of the Phoenix arts scene and Valley audiences?
Cavallero: Phoenix is unlike any other major city. We are relatively new in the grand scheme. It takes lots of work to get people in your audience. After they see a Scorpius show, they are always happy they came and excited about the next production.
Castro: The Phoenix arts are growing! There are a number of up and coming artists that are making Phoenix their home. It is exciting to see more collaboration and new work being created.
Scorpius Dance Theatre
Oct. 1-10 A Vampire Tale
Feb. 25-27 Catwalk
April 28-30 L.O.V.E
Performances take place at Phoenix Theatre.
