Category: New York City Parks

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Shy Blue by Cia Elías Aguirre

Day Two of the Battery Dance Festival (Performance 6 of 7)

“Shy Blue” by Cia Elías Aguirre (U.S. Premier)
Choreography: Elías Aguirre
Dancers: Elías Aguirre Imbernon, Jose Jurado Giles, Lautaro Alejandro Reyes Saez
Photography: Jason Chuang

Elías Aguirre’s “Shy Blue” reminded me of one of my earliest exposure to experimental dance, when Katharine Hawthorne choreographed “Fell” to explore the sensation of bodies falling under gravity. Whereas Katharine had to repeatedly climb up ladders, to fight and succumb to gravity, Elías and company were on a rocking ship tonight — three dancers moving to the sounds of the ocean and waves, and reacting to the unforgiving forces of mother nature.

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Mari Meade Dance Collective

Day Two of the Battery Dance Festival (Performance 5 of 7)

What I like the most about “Dialogue” by Mari Meade Dance Collective is the partnering. The choreography opened with two dancers “shadow” partnering — moving together in response to each other, without actually physically touching. The movements began to build with the addition of a third dancer, before eventually introducing the entire company of nine dancers. At first glance, this performance could be mistaken for improvisation, but small repetitions (both in time and sometimes in small groups of three dancers) revealed subtle structures in the art of collaboration.

“Dialogue” by Mari Meade Dance Collective (2017)
Choreography: Mari Meade
Dancers: Dia Dearstyne, Breanna Gribble, Misuzu Hara, Sean Hatch, Amanda Hinchey, Morgan Hurst, Isaac Owens, Or Reitman, Rachel Rizzuto
Costumes: Marc Witmer
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Echoes by FJK Dance

Day Two of the Battery Dance Festival (Performance 4 of 7)

My two thoughts as I watched “Echoes” by Fadi J. Khoury Dance were… First, gorgeous techniques!!! I wanted to take more ballet and jazz classes, just so that I could move as beautifully as the five men on stage. Second, the men had all the fun in this piece. Sorry ladies but the men got the more exciting leaps, the more dynamic movements, and even the prettier scarves. A lovely, powerful, and at times sensual choreography. Well done, F.J.K. Dance!

“Echoes” by Fadi J. Khoury Dance (2016)
Choreography: Fadi J. Khoury
Dancers: Fadi J. Khoury, Sevin Ceviker, Nick Peregrino, Elisa Toro Franky, Dannys Gonzalez, Lucia Jackson, Jose Losada, Serena Giannini, Motasem Amairy, Mara Driscoll
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Interlaced by SLK Ballet

Day Two of the Battery Dance Festival (Performance 3 of 7)

Students of SLK Ballet, from right here in downtown Manhattan, showcased their techniques and elegance in a beautiful contemporary ballet performance. Bravos, SLK Ballet!

“Interlaced” by SLK Ballet (World Premier)
Choreography: Clement Mensah
Dancers: Nicole Stapleton, Lauren Mead, Madison Mercadante, Hanna Tsao, Rachel Skipor, Angela Spensieri, Kylie Edwards, Stella Duerden, Teryn Colmery,
Costumes: Clement Mensah
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Cry Out by Trezon Dancy

Day Two of the Battery Dance Festival (Performance 2 of 7)

Trezon Dancy, an emerging dancer and choreographer from Connecticut and a current student at Ohio University, presented a contemporary solo tonight.

“Cry Out” by Trezon Dancy (2016)
Choreography: Trezon Dancy
Dancer: Trezon Dancy
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Yo, desaparezco

Day Two of the Battery Dance Festival (Performance 1 of 7)

The National Company of Contemporary Dance (CNDC), from the Dominican Republic, opened this evening’s performance. CNDC presented an abstract piece centered on the theme “disappearing” and explored how we fight for our lives, persist, and return stronger than before.

“Yo, desaparezco” by Compañia Nacional de Danza Contemporánea de Republica Dominicana (New York Premier)
Choreography: Michael Foley
Dancers: Patricia Ortega, Erick Roque, Dayme del Toro, Mildred Rubirosa
Costumes: Michael Foley
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Behri Drums and Dance Ensemble

The Behri Drums and Dance Ensemble and Danuka Ariyawansa wrapped up the opening night of the 36th annual Battery Dance Festival with live music and lively Sri Lankan dancing.

“Behri” (World Premier)
Choreography: Behri Drums and Dance Ensemble and Danuka Ariyawansa
Dancers: Nalinda Dilupama, Dilhan Pinnagoda, Indika Udayakumara, Uthpala Eroshan, Dinesh Wijesinghe, Danuka Ariyawansa
Photography: Jason Chuang

#batterydancefestival

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Tatting

The Martha Graham School presented “Tatting” tonight at the Battery Dance Festival. Beautiful and gorgeous movements. Bravos to all the dancers!

“Tatting” (World Premier)
Choreography: Tadej Brdnik
Dancers: Cara McManus, Jean-Baptiste Ferreira, Heather Christiansen, Antonella Zanutto, Carley Marholin, Jessica Sgambelluri
Scene Design: Eva Petrič
Photography: Jason Chuang

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Lost, Found, Lost

Janis Brenner and Dancers presented “Lost, Found, Lost” tonight featuring the graduates of LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts at the Battery Dance Festival.

Humorous at times yet emotionally powerful, this piece explores our personal connection and attachment — to material goods and social relationships alike. The choreography began with the artists yelling: “I lost my ticket”, “I lost my program”, “I lost my phone”, before it moved onto more serious thoughts such as “I lost my memory.” The performance was dynamic and energetic featuring numerous leaps and lifts, and ended with each of the dancers presenting (what I presume) an item that they had lost, found, and lost… from a sock, a pet, to loved ones.

Congrats to the LaGuardia grads. Wonderful performance! All the best on your next adventures!!!

“Lost, Found, Lost” (2011)
Choreography: Janis Brenner and Dancers
Dancers: Kara Chan, Janis Brenner, DeAndre Cousley, Sumaya Jackson, Christopher Ralph and Kristi Ann Schopfer with guest dancers Maia Bedford and graduates of LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts: Leila Bershad, Jamie DeTingo, Alyssa Fulton, Tamara Iliyev, Aashika Jikaria, Alyssa Manginaro, Amar Smalls, and Genevieve Waller-Whelan
Costumes: Romana Ponce and Janis Brenner
Photography: Jason Chuang

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I’m Letting Go of the Ground

“Akerman/Jansen” presented a world premier, I’m Letting Go of the Ground, at the Battery Dance Festival tonight. Having known each other since they were kids, Lily Akerman and Krista Jansen danced — and played — together this evening on a see saw. What else could be more symbolic of their childhood bond?

“I’m Letting Go of the Ground” (World Premier)
Choreography: Lily Akerman and Krista Jansen
Dancers: Lily Akerman, Krista Jansen
Photography: Jason Chuang