Producing a concert in dedication to a legendary dancer and choreographer is an act of devotion in itself, but when the legend passes away in the process, the concert adopts a whole new meaning.
More than a year ago, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts invited University dance professor Walter Kennedy to create a show encompassing works by late dancer, teacher, choreographer and activist Bella Lewitzky. When she died last summer, Kennedy constructed his production especially to pay tribute to Lewitzky, whom he worked with for nearly 20 years as a member of the Bella Lewitzky company. On Friday and Saturday, he and seven dancers he has known throughout his career will present six pieces in “Walter Kennedy and Dancers,” a tribute to the renowned artist.
Performers Lori McWilliams, Eileen Walters, Bonnie Simoa, Luis Tentindo, Darrin Wright, Diane Vivona and Heather Klopchin prepared for the show separately in their hometowns across the United States after a few visits from Kennedy and came together this week for intense rehearsals in Eugene. The concert will open with three excerpts of original works by Lewitzky and will continue with three pieces by Kennedy.
“This (concert) is mostly about me, but you can’t separate me from Bella, because I spent 20 years with her,” Kennedy said.
The first excerpt, “Suite Satie,” is a gentle lyrical piece, and the second, “Pietas,” is what Kennedy called a “very physical, uncompromising, anguished protest piece,” which Lewitzky choreographed during the Vietnam War. Kennedy’s dances begin with “Twilight Yielding,” a solo he created just after the Bella Lewitzky company came to a close, and “Bridges/LA,” a solo performed by Simoa in front of a running video of Los Angeles bridges shot from different angles. The finale, “The Deep Field,” is the largest piece and consists of three solos and one duet. Kennedy said the discoveries made by the Hubble telescope and what would happen if the telescope was moved just a little bit, inspired the piece. He said the dancers represent the different worlds viewed through the telescope and the connections between them.
In addition to performing this weekend, visiting dancers taught six classes this week in the dance department’s modern program. Dance Department Chair Jenifer Craig said the guest instructors helped create a community in the dance department.
“We love having them interact with students and a great way to do that is to have them teach class,” she said. “It’s inspiring for students to work with dancers from the professional world.”
Lewitzky, who was an artist and activist for the arts, shared her passions with Eugene on numerous occasions. Craig will introduce the Lewitzky-choreographed excerpts during the show by giving a background on the dances themselves and Lewitzky’s contributions to Eugene.
“She gave a lot to this community,” Craig said. “She taught here, she was very supportive of the dance department and the local arts scene, and she was the first dancer to present works for the Oregon Bach Festival.”
Vivona, who performed in the Bella Lewitzky company for five years, said the show will entertain viewers as well as educate them about an important figure in dance history.
“I hope the audience comes away with enjoying the choreography and also an understanding of Bella, her place in dance history, and how she lives on with Walter and other dancers who continue to teach her works,” Vivona said.
“Walter Kennedy and Dancers” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost $10 for students and $15 to $20 for general admission; they are available at the EMU Ticket Office or the Hult Center box office at 682-5000.

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