L.A. Dance Project

Another great program with L.A. Dance Project at the Joyce Theater this afternoon.

“Hearts and Arrows” is so much fun to watch!! In fact, it’s so dynamic and joyful that I want to join the dancers on stage. I could totally see myself doing movements (assuming I have enough technique) and loving the sensations.

Gaga’s “YAG” is intensely emotional. I’ve never felt the theater so still and so silent. Everyone held their breath, either out of respect or due to psychological shock, as each cast pronounced the death of their family members. As the onstage grief built up, actions as simple as Lilja Rúriksdóttir mechanically and repetitively doing a dozen push-ups triggered a sense of sorrow in me. Wow!

I like symbolism of the wife taking on the husband’s identify. I also like some of the unexpected artistic choices, such as the nude scene at the end and dancers crushing the line of fortune cookies. A couple things went a little too far and felt strange, like actually eating the fortune cookie. Over all though, I love the piece!

Saw “Orpheus Highway” again today, sitting dead center in the theater instead of house left. The small change in angle made a big difference. While the beginning felt chaotic seen from house left, the layers of film and live dancing felt coherent today. Janie Taylor stepped in for Rachelle Rafailedes today, which meant the film is not an exact replica of the dancers, but everything felt right in place.

Great job L.A. Dance Project! Merde and enjoy your second week in New York!