Category: Modern Dance

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Parsons Dance

The phenomenal Parsons Dance returns to the Joyce Theater!

Treated to an amazing program tonight with six unique choreographies.

Love love love the joyful and dynamic “Swing Shift”. Zoey Anderson and Elena d’Amario are so beautiful. But really, everyone in the eight-member cast is incredible. Love each and every of your jumps, kicks, turns, and all the energy you bring on stage. You all are amazing tonight, Geena Pacareu, Deidre Marie Rogan, Ian Spring, Justus Whitfield, Omar Roman De Jesus, Eoghan Dillon.

Ian Spring and Elena d’Amario are absolutely gorgeous and sensual in “Finding Center”. I can’t bear to take my eyes off them for even a fraction of a second. I wish time would freeze so I could continue watching them spin around each other, before the curtain closes.

Thank you Ian Spring, for showing us how to fly in “Caught”! Bravo!!!

Bravos also to “Daniel” created by company member Omar Roman De Jesus. I was already filled with emotions as I watched the dance. However, during the curtain chat, Omar spoke of his creation process, and described how he choreographed the piece to communicate with an autistic child. Wow. Suddenly, everything took on a new meaning. The dance meant so much more than what I had initially thought…

And, a fun curtain chat with the choreographers! I enjoyed learning about the fusion of Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, Robert Battle, 80s South Bronx, gymnastics, and trampoline that led to tonight’s program. Keep experimenting and innovating! Look forward to seeing more of you, Parsons Dance!

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Isadora Duncan

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

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Your Courage from José Limón

“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!!

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José Limón Dance Company

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.”