Kanopy Dance Company's expressionistic and emotionally charged works combine the dramatic physical integrity of modern dance and contemporary ballet with dance-theater. The Company features works by its artistic directors as well as local, regional, national and international choreographers, all linked by the desire to create dance that is thought-provoking, elegant, bold, humorous, romantic, and compelling. Founded in 1976, Kanopy has been under the artistic direction of Robert E. Cleary and Lisa Thurrell since 1995. Kanopy Dance Company is a strong regional presence in the Midwest. Winning numerous awards and grants year after year, Cleary and Thurrell create and commission new works for Kanopy Dance. They have attracted national and international dancers and choreographers to create premiers and re-stage dances and physical-theater works for Kanopy Dance. Kanopy Dance is a resident company of Madison Wisconsin’s Overture Center for the Arts. In addition, Cleary and Thurrell are devoted to education of the art form. Kanopy Dance is also comprised of The Academy and The Studio where dancers train as a profession or simply a serious avocation. Cleary and Thurrell, both with higher degrees in the field, guest teach and choreograph at various academies and colleges throughout the country.Kanopy Dance, a nonprofit organization, is the ‘umbrella’ for Kanopy Dance Company, Kanopy Dance Academy, and Kanopy Dance Studio.