The Rite of Spring

“The Rite of Spring” by the Martha Graham Dance Company.

WOW! What a stunning studio rehearsal on Wednesday. The music “the Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky was strong, but Martha Graham’s dancing was even more powerful.

Right from the beginning, this choreography commanded an incredible amount of energy with the men entering the stage, striking the floor, and stumping in unison. The movements, the music, the percussive sounds, the breathing, and the juxtapose of the individual dancers’ emotions and the geometric patterns that make up the soulless ritual … all came together to tell the story of the young woman sacrificed in a primitive savage ceremony. The sacrifice, danced by Charlotte Landreau, was stunning in her performance with her fear, her sorrow, and her determination — to fight for a meaning of her life. Bravos.

Don’t miss the Martha Graham Dance Company season “Sacred/Profane” at @nycitycenter on April 11-14!!