nyc.dancr
Throwback to #slazz by Heather Rigg at Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase 2016.
Showcase 2017, we are ready for you!!! Final rehearsal was tonight. Show time is next Sunday, May 21st at 4:30pm and 8:00pm at Symphony Space. Don’t miss it!
“#Slazz”
Choreographer: Heather Rigg
Dancers: Jonathan Ruff (in the air) and students of Heather Rigg at Broadway Dance Center
Photographer: Jason Chuang
At the ballet with Richmond Ballet at the Joyce Theater plus a post-show chat with the company.
Favorites moment: Maggie Small‘s duet in “Lift the Fallen”. Great job!
Random thought: How small is the dance world? I was chatting with the lady sitting next to me. As it turns out, her niece is a ballet dancer, and I’ve previously photographed her. We then browsed through photos on my phone looking at her niece’s performance.
Town Hall with the Dance/NYC Junior Committee. Spent an exciting evening with like-minded young dancers, sharing our experiences and discussing issues in the dance community.
The JComm is currently seeking new members!
Applications are due on May 22. Details at Dance/NYC JComm. Consider applying if you are 21 to 30 years old, interested in professional development and leadership for young dancers, open to having a critical dialogue about the dance community in New York City, and/or want to meet peers who care about advocacy, equity and inclusion. Reach out to the JComm. They want to hear your voices!
p.s. Also met Kim Savarino (a.k.a. Alice of Then She Fell) in person because JComm members also put on the most incredible shows!
Throwback to watching Battery Dance at Battery Dance Festival 2016. One of the few times that I picked up my camera in recent years.
I remember enjoying the fusion of western and Indian influences in this piece. Beyond blending together ballet and jazz lines with Indian movements, I love the use of music and a story line that touches on everything from human connections to relationships and family.
Battery Dance’s New York season is this Wednesday and Thursday!
This year’s program sounds amazing: an international collaboration to examine refugees, traditions, and the current political climate. Except I’m already booked up on both nights and cannot attend. Have a great run!!! Go watch them and let me know how it is.
“The Durga Project”
Artistic Director: Jonathan Hollander
Dancers/Choreographers: Robin Cantrell, Mira Cook, Unnath H.R., Clement Mensah, Bethany Mitchell, Sean Scantlebury
Photographer: Jason Chuang
José Limón considers Isadora Duncan as his “dance mother”. Here’s a throwback to the Isadora Duncan Dance Company dancing outdoors at Fort Tryon Park.
The Duncan Dance Company will be performing at the Joyce Theater on June 19th. More information at Isadora Duncan Dance Company. Experience the lively, beautiful, and natural movements of Isadora Duncan. Come see the show with me!!!
Dancers: Lori Belilove and the Isadora Duncan Dance Company
Photographer: Jason Chuang
“To the young I say: Do not for an instant abandon that most indispensable asset of the artist, your courage.” — José Limón
Went back to see the amazing José Limón Dance Company for a second time this week at the Joyce Theatre.
Love the new version of “The Exiles” by Savannah Spratt and David Glista with live singers and music composed by Aleksandra Vrebalov. I interpreted the story in a whole different way, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. “Concerto Grosso” and “A Choreographic Offering” are both beautiful with a different set of lead dancers. My favorite goes to the solo by Brenna Monroe-Cook (Wednesday) and Logan Frances Kruger (tonight). “Night Light” is still incredible.
Random thought: The closing scene of “A Choreograph Offering” reminded me of Paul Taylor’s “Brandenburgs”. Despite moving with more subtle and measured gestures, I felt the Limón dancers actually projected greater energy. Expressing more with less, such is the fascinating language of dance!!
Wow’ed by José Limón Dance Company at the Joyce Theater tonight.
There’s so much life in José Limón’s work.
On top of the full range of emotions expressed by the dances, the physical delivery is also mesmerizing. Contrasts between powerful percussions (full company stomping the floor) and subtle gestures (a flick of the wrist). Sudden shifts from dynamic motions to perfect stillness. Yet, in between these extremes, everything blends together into a beautiful story.
My favorites are the strength and tenderness found in “A Choreographic Offering”, the elegance and beauty in “Concerto Grosso”, and also Kate Weare’s contemporary work “Night Light” where everything flows so smoothly.
In the post-show conversation, Kristen Foote answered an audience question why she became a dancer: “Dance gives back. Dance is revelatory. The most rewarding part of surrendering herself to dance, is that she discovered herself.”
I made Heather Rigg‘s class video at Broadway Dance Center! 🙂
Last February, after taking Heather’s absolute beginner jazz workshop, I stopped by and watched her regular “beginner” jazz class. In New York City, “beginner” dance classes require 2 to 5 years of training. I was obviously at least 2 years short in experience. However, Heather greeted me with a big smile through the glass window and told me to just come in. I did and never looked back!
Love your classes, Heather! Thank you for being supportive and always encouraging us to live our lives!!!
Also, I am performing in Heather’s #slazz at the BDC Student Showcase on May 21st. Come to class and come see our show!
Choreography: Heather Rigg
Video/Editing: Waeli Wang
An onstage chat tonight with choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky and Justin Peck, about their creative process paired with excerpts from some of their favorite ballets, as part of the Here/Now Festival.
Am excited to see their work next week at New York City Ballet. Come join me at the ballet!