‘Barn’ Burner

NobleMotion - Dark Matter Promo Shoot - Photographer Lynn Lane-32
NobleMotion - Dark Matter Promo Shoot - Photographer Lynn Lane-32

In the midst ofa divorce, both parties often find themselves subjected not only to accusations, but also paperwork. Lots of legal paperwork. In choreographer Travis Prokop’s “Paper Trail,” which shows at Barnstorm Dance Fest in June, two dancers follow a path of carefully laid out pieces of paper. They’re sometimes aware of, sometimes oblivious to the other, playing out a mesmerizing narrative that anyone who’s been through a breakup will recognize.


“You can’t be afraid when approaching choreography,” says Prokop, 29, who recently divorced his husband of seven years. He created “Paper Trail” to show both sides of the situation, and to provide closure.

It’s heavy stuff for a former “competition kid” from New Mexico, who recalls dancing around the room after watching Hello, Dolly with his granny, and once appeared on So You Think You Can Dance. But while completing his MFA at Sam Houston State, Prokop discovered “how creative he could get with dance.” He joined NobleMotion and Hope Stone dance companies, creating work in which ordinary scenarios, like sitting in a waiting room, are transformed “in a traumatic and theatrical way.”

When not driving between his Midtown home and Lamar University, where he’s an assistant professor of dance, Prokop hangs with his Rottweiler and two cats, and continues to confront life’s challenges through art.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” he says of showing vulnerability.  “But if you want to make a name for yourself, you just have to let it all out there.”

Art+Culture
In Time for 'Movember,' Top Spa Pro Offers Tips for Men Looking to Make the Most of a Spa Visit

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep ReadingShow less

Sylvia Casares

MANY OF THE city’s who’s-who gathered at the city’s buzziest venue to toast Houston CityBook’s 2024 “Leaders & Legends,” presented by The Village of River Oaks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food+Travel

Lynn Wyatt and Steve Wyatt

IT'S BEEN A century since what’s now known as the Museum of Fine Arts Houston debuted, and the society set celebrated the 100-year milestone in high style. Some 375 guests turned out for the 2024 Grand Gala Ball at the museum, raising $5.5 million in total, including Nancy and Rich Kinder’s $1 million gift and another hefty gift from J. Venn Leeds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art+Culture