Category: DANCE

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Rioult Dance

Saw the two sides of Rioult Dance NY at the Joyce Theater tonight.

First, one of Pascal Rioult’s first work as he formed his company. Second, a new world premier built on rock music.

My favorite part of the night is actually the curtain chat. Really enjoyed watching the friendly collegial interactions between Pascal and the three dancers who’ve danced with him for 10-18 years. Also unforgettable is sitting behind the rows of teens cheering on the company. It’s wonderful to see a well-run organization where dancers stay, collaborate, and grow together… and one that is deeply committed to and connected to its community. Well done, Rioult Dance!

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Giselle

Young love, broken hearts, and forgiveness tonight with Giselle at American Ballet Theatre.

Sarah Lane is gorgeous as Giselle, and perfectly captures the sorrow, the sadness, and the anguish in Giselle before her death. Likewise, Herman Cornejo is amazing with his turns, leaps, and extensions (how does he kick so high?) cultivating in his dramatic death in front of the wilis.

Two random thoughts: Puppies on stage tonight!!! Why is that our best so often comes out only at the final moments, of death or farewell?

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Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase

A big thanks to everyone who came out to see the Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase and my first time performing in New York City! We had so much fun on stage. Hope you did too!!

Thanks also to slazz mama Heather Rigg for all the support, encouragement, and for believing in me. 🙂 To all the slazzers for the fun times, sweaty rehearsals, and even more late nights at Ripley!

Wonderful to see all the fellow students give everything they have. Your passion and your energy are inspiring… and remind me why I live in New York City. Keep dancing. Keep living. Keep loving!!!

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All Four Walls

Come see the Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase today, May 21st at 4:30pm and 8:00pm!

Throwback to “All Four Walls” by the amazing @shishibarker from last year’s showcase. Are you in for some high-energy jazz fun???

“All Four Walls”
Choreographer: Sheila Barker
Performers: Students of Sheila Barker at Broadway Dance Center
Photographer: Jason Chuang

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It’s Britney, **tch!

Come see the Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase today, May 21st at 4:30pm and 8:00pm!

Throwback to “It’s Britney, **tch!” by Chio from last year’s showcase. They’ve got style. They’ve got attitude. They’ve got sick moves. You don’t want to miss Chio’s jazz funk this year!

“It’s Britney, **tch!”
Choreographer: Chio
Performers: Students of Chio at Broadway Dance Center
Photographer: Jason Chuang

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Running State of Mind

Come see the Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase today, May 21st at 4:30pm and 8:00pm!

Throwback to “Running State of Mind” by the fabulous Stacie Webster from last year’s showcase. I lost count of the number of creative, emotional, touching choreographies created by Stacie. I’ve been told she’s got another amazing piece in store for all of you. Don’t miss it!!!

“Running State of Mind”
Choreographer: Stacie Webster
Performers: Students of Stacie Webster, ISVP, and Training Program at Broadway Dance Center
Photographer: Jason Chuang

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You(r) Worst Enemy

Come see the Broadway Dance Center Student Showcase today, May 21st at 4:30pm and 8:00pm!

Throwback to “You(r) Worst Enemy” by AshlĂ© Dawson from last year’s showcase. I can still remember these dramatic moments at the end of her choreography, when it’s time you face your worst enemy. I’ve been told AshlĂ©’s piece is even more amazing this year. Don’t miss it!!!

“You(r) Worst Enemy”
Choreographer: Ashlé Dawson
Performers: Students of Ashlé Dawson at Broadway Dance Center
Photographer: Jason Chuang

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More of Parsons Dance

Returned tonight to see the amazing Parsons Dance at the Joyce Theater for a second time this week.

Finally a female dancer starring in “Caught”! Elena d’Amario is absolutely incredible. Love her lines and her extensions. Thank you for showing us not just how to fly… but how to fly so elegantly. If I may say so, it’s the best run of “Caught” that I’ve seen so far.

Absolutely love Ian Spring and Elena d’Amario in “Finding Center”. Beautiful emotional connection and powerful physical connection fused into a single duet. You two are gorgeous!

Feeling emotional after seeing Omar Roman De Jesus‘s “Daniel” again and knowing the story behind the creation. I wish I knew what the hand signals (sign language) mean during the tap portion of the choreo though.

Also, feeling so happy just watching all the dancers move in “Swing Shift”. I would go back anytime to see this piece again.

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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!