This Weekend: Former Houston Ballet Soloist Brings the 'House' Down in the Heights
Lawrence Knox
Feb. 5, 2024
WALKING THE GROUNDS of the Heights Ironworks is like stepping back in time, making it the ideal location for choreographer and former Houston Ballet soloist Nao Kusuzaki’s immersive dance performance, The House. Created for Houston Contemporary Dance Company and running Feb. 8-10 (5pm, 7pm and 9pm), The House explores the groundbreaking accomplishments of Barbara Jordan, the first African American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction, and Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Although Jordan and Lee’s paths never crossed, Kusuzaki imagines them as guests at the Yale House, a five-room historic landmark built in 1903.
As an audience limited to 30 for each performance is led throughout the house, the stories and secrets of these two amazing women are revealed through movement and spoken word.
“They were true to their values, and words were their main tool,” says Kusuzaki of Jordan and Lee. “They were both strong women who realized their dreams and influenced society in terms of human and civil rights.”
Given the limited amount of square footage within the Yale House, the big challenge for Kusuzaki has been predicting how the audience will react in such cramped quarters. “Some people like to be close, but others might want their space,” says Kusuzaki. Despite such challenges, Heights Ironworks has been a creatively stimulating choice of venue for dance. “It’s quite beautiful,” says Kusuzaki. “I was inspired by the property, and how it’s being used today.”
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WINE, CANDLES AND FINE cuisine — almost all the elements needed for a romantic evening. Not into the crowds or strict reservations this Valentine’s Day? When you want to woo your loved one your way, consider Navy Blue’s Mondays with Molly.
The monthly series is for wine- and food-lovers, and the next one is Feb. 12, which means you can duck the Valentine’s Day frenzy by attending. Molly Austad, the sommelier for Navy Blue and Bludorn, takes a deep dive into wine and food pairings and educates guests on wine varietals and the art of tasting wine. Four- or five-course meals and pairings are usually kept a delightful surprise, so it’s a little like opening a box of chocolates.
The superstar sommelier kicked off the four-part monthly wine club dinner series back in October. Her topic for the evening was “How to Sound like a Wine Expert” in an intimate and interactive dinner setting. Tables are set up the private room at Navy Blue, so you won’t have to compete with the main dining restaurant activities. You can be sure that restaurateur-chef Aaron Bludorn will include fresh seafood on the menu!
If you can’t make it Feb. 12, both Navy Blue and Bludorn will offer an a la carte specialty menu Feb. 14, as well as delectable desserts from pastry chef Marie Riddle. Guests also have a chance to add a bountiful bouquet for their significant other or a bottle of Champagne ahead of time.
Molly Austad (photo by Julie Soefer)
Key lime pie (photo by Caroline Fontenot)
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