Fall for Dance: Day Ten

Still love the beautiful “Solo Echo” choreographed by Crystal Pite and performed by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, after seeing tonight’s program for a second time.

Immensely enjoyed the powerful aerials by the men of San Francisco Ballet in “Concerto Grosso.” Bravos to Max Cauthorn, Diego Cruz, Esteban Hernandez, Wei Wang, and Lonnie Weeks.

Also, finally met up with fellow dancer and enthusiastic supporter of dance, @dea_dance, after first meeting on instagram. Here’s to a great upcoming season of dance! 馃槂

Fall for Dance: Day Nine

Tonight’s program opened with a bang! Absolutely stunning performance of “Solo Echo” by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Choreographed by Crystal Pite. Flawlessly executed by the seven amazing dancers with impeccable techniques: Jacqueline Burnett, Kellie Epperheimer, Michael Gross, Elliot Hammans, Alice Klock, Kevin Shannon, and Florian Lochner (replaced Andrew Murdock).

Beautiful combination of contemporary, modern, jazz, and ballet. So much power and emotion in the individual dancers. What’s more, I love how the group moves and flows as one. Definitely one of my favorite pieces, out of all five programs in this year’s festival.

San Francisco Ballet came out flying (figuratively and literally) with “Concerto Grosso” choreographed by Helgi Tomasson that showcased their five gorgeous male dancers.

Danza Contemporanea de Cuba capped the night with energetic formations of 24 dancers.

Your Courage from Jos茅 Lim贸n

“To the young I say: Do not for an instant abandon that most indispensable asset of the artist, your courage.” — Jos茅 Lim贸n

Went back to see the amazing Jos茅 Lim贸n 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 Lim贸n dancers actually projected greater energy. Expressing more with less, such is the fascinating language of dance!!

Jos茅 Lim贸n Dance Company

Wow’ed by Jos茅 Lim贸n Dance Company at the Joyce Theater tonight.

There’s so much life in Jos茅 Lim贸n’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.”