Portraits of a Lady
Martha Graham is the Georgia O’Keefe of dance. No matter what the source material, the primary subject of her works is womanhood.
PlusWorld-class review of ballet and dance.
On one of the first spring-like days this year in NYC, I arrive at Barnard College to observe rehearsal for John Jasperse’s new piece, “Tides,” which will open the LaMama Moves! Dance Festival on April 10. Jasperse, tall and lean, introduces the dancers who are warming up, and asks me to imagine the deep tunnel shape that is the Ellen Stewart Theatre stage instead of this light-filled studio. Composer Hahn Rowe attends to an iPad where his original score is recorded. The hour-long “Tides” is delicate and quirky, fascinating to watch. It interlaces a contemplative pace with sections so active they leave the dancers panting. At the end, Jasperse has one note—the whole “garden section” has gone really wrong. He doesn’t know what exactly. He’ll watch the video. Right now they need to try on some costume options. Nothing seems to work. Opening night is three weeks out.
“Uncommonly intelligent, substantial coverage.”
Your weekly source for world-class dance reviews, interviews, articles, and more.
Already a paid subscriber? Login
Martha Graham is the Georgia O’Keefe of dance. No matter what the source material, the primary subject of her works is womanhood.
PlusPetite in stature, with beautiful, delicate features, Scottish dance artist Suzi Cunningham is nonetheless a powerhouse performer: an endless shape shifter whose work ranges from eerie to strange, to poignant, or just absolutely hilarious.
PlusCan art save civilization? The question matters deeply to Brenda Way, who has dedicated her life to the arts in San Francisco.
Plus
comments