Category: Contemporary Dance

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Fall for Dance: Program 4

Four solid performances tonight.

“Beach Birds” by CNDC Angers is perhaps my favorite Merce Cunningham choreography so far. I really enjoyed the nature-inspired movements — which felt like anything from a chirping bird playing in the forest, to saplings springing out of the soil. The music sounded like a gentle stream and the occasional breeze in the background, and complemented the movements perfectly. The last third of the piece became more abstract, and felt like more general geometric shapes to me.

I also like the variation of movement styles and the energy in Alicia Graf Mack‘s “Come Sunday”, and the powerful message of love in MADBOOTS Dance‘s “For Us”. Finally, it’s great fun to see Stella Abrera, Robbie Fairchild, and Gabe Stone Shayer do something completely different from classical ballet in “Unveiling” by Sonya Tayeh.

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Fall for Dance: Program 3

My favorite tonight goes to “Dare to Wreck” by Madeleine Månsson and Peder Nilsson of Skånes Dansteater, for some of the most amazing partnering that I’ve ever seen.

For context, Madeleine danced mostly in a wheelchair tonight, but this is *not* an “inclusion” performance to make a statement that dance is for everyone. This is *not* a choreography where a disabled dancer traced the approximate path of movements that had been created for another able-bodied dancer, to make a statement that they’re just capable. No no no no no.

“Dare to Wreck” is a showcase of what a wheelchair dancer can accomplish that no “able-bodied” dancers could even dream of. Madeleine could accelerate so rapidly and maintain such a high speed as she dashed across the stage, because she had wheels. The wheels also allowed her to decelerate and interact with Peder in ways not possible to other dancers.

I love the connection between Madeleine and Peder, both emotionally and technically. I love the the weight-sharing, weight-shifting, lifts, and aerials. I love all the creative and unexpected points of contact. I love the speed of their movements. I love the interaction between the dancers, the chair, and the wheels — like the way the wheels spin while Madeleine is lifted high in the air. Bravos!!

I also thoroughly enjoyed “At the Wrong Time” by Mariinsky Ballet featuring a trio of lovers. I love the different personalities on stage, especially the girl portrayed by Maria Shklyarova. I love the movement vocabulary, which looked like ballet movements inspired by Jazz-era ballroom steps. They look so much fun to dance!!!

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Fall for Dance: Program 1

Caleb Teicher and Company with Chris Celiz owned the stage tonight, with their tap dancing and beatboxing collaboration.

I love the way Caleb’s dancers move their bodies and interact with one another, in addition to tapping.

I also looooove the way Caleb introduces comedy into tapping. It’s absolutely ingenious how an extra sound, a prolonged pause, or the dragging the side of his tap shoe across the stage at just perfect moment could bring the audience to laughter.

His choreography was creative, ever-changing, and I wanted more after the 30-minute performance!

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Cultivated Chaos

I had a wonderful evening at Cultivated Chaos, a full-length show created and produced by Julia Kane, to benefit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Some of my favorite moments include…

Stunning open scene to “Garden” by Sadie McNamara and Christophe Desorbay

Seeing the full version of “Stand By” by Christophe, Mica Butnar, Alicia Kee, and Jacob Spallino

Old favorites such as “100 Years” alongside new favorites such as “Take Me Home” and “Hurts 2B Human”

Plus, the sight of Julia Kane as tall as Megan Kirsch

A big congrats to Julia Kane Dance Collective and bravos to all the wonderful dancers Anakeiry Cruz, Cathryn Cioper, Julie Hricko, Ingrid Chang, Jordan Cassetta, Mica Romulo, Rachel Waldman, and more.

#jkdchaos

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Express Yourself by Sam Lobel

“Being myself is something I do well.”

A most incredible afternoon with Sam Lobel. Thank you Sam Lobel for your genuine love of dance, your honesty, your support, and for being a role model on and off the dance floor. You’re inspiring. Thanks again for this opportunity to express ourselves!! ❤️

Sam is teaching tomorrow, Saturday June 1st. Visit her account for more info. Come join us!!!

Choreography: Sam Lobel
Music: Express Yourself by Labrinth
Video: Kyle Breen

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I Am Here by Michelle Barber

“I Am Here” by Michelle Barber at the Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase.

I don’t usually post videos of myself, but I had a wonderful time dancing this month… so here they are!

First of all, endless many thanks to Michelle Barber for choreographing this powerful piece; for having me in your showcase; for your energy-filled classes; for your encouragement, kindness, and patience with a beginner like me; and for teaching me everything about dance the past two years. 🙏

Choreography: Michelle Barber
Music: I Am Here by P!nk
Video: Full Out Creative