In a small studio in the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, a slight man sitting in a chair watches six dancers shift together. Each dancer moves deliberately, relying on the others to catch him here or push her there. Every now and then, Stephen Koester puts on his glasses to write in his notebook. Then he takes them off to continue to watch the dancers.
After the rehearsal is complete, Koester shares his notes. In a precise but compassionate tone, he explains what he wants the dancers to change, after complimenting them on what he likes. It seems apparent from his cadence and demeanor that he’s been doing this very thing for a long time.