Bright Young Things

“Art is the only way to travel without leaving home.” Twyla Tharp’s quote rings truer than ever, as we negotiate our various states of isolation. For dancers, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant training at home, taking part in online classes, and interacting with dance fans via social media. For the foreseeable future, the performing arts are confined to the digital realm.

Photograph by Karolina Kuras

Rewind a few months, when we were shooting for the second edition of Fjord Review #2, we were mindful of a new wave of dance talent. Bright Young Things, directed and filmed by Karolina Kuras, features ten up-and-coming dancers in a fashion collaboration with VSP Consignment. What I find inspiring about this project is the sense of innovation and creative drive, relevant now to the future not only of dance, but our society as a whole.

Many thanks to everyone who came together to create this film, including dancers Genevieve Penn Nabity, Jason Ferro, Tene Ward, Tom Leprohon, Godwin Merano, Lucy Elliott, Shale Wagman, Hannah Galway, Siphe November, and Arielle Miralles. Hair and make up by Ashley Readings, music by Naladog, choreography by Nicholas Rose, and backstage photography by Ethan Watts. Film concept and creation by Karolina Kuras. For the exclusive photoshoot, pick up a copy of Fjord Review #2 below.

Penelope Ford

Penelope is the founding editor of Fjord Review, international magazine of dance and ballet. Penelope graduated from Law and Arts with majors in philosophy and languages from the University of Melbourne, Australia, before turning to the world of dance. She lives in Italy.

comments

Featured

INTERVIEWS | Steven Vargas

Wicked Moves with Christopher Scott

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) steps down the steps, rests her hat on the floor and takes in the Ozdust Ballroom in Wicked. She elevates her arm, bringing her bent wrist to her temple.

Plus

REVIEWS | Marina Harss

A Bug Menagerie

The Sarasota Ballet does not do a “Nutcracker”—they leave that to their associate school. Instead, over the weekend, the company offered a triple bill of which just one ballet, Frederick Ashton’s winter-themed “Les Patineurs,” nodded at the season.

Plus

REVIEWS | Faye Arthurs

Hard (Nut) Facts

I couldn’t stop thinking about hockey at the New York City Ballet’s “Nutcracker” this year, and not only because the stage appeared to be made of ice: there were a slew of spectacular falls one night I attended.

Plus

REVIEWS | Candice Thompson

Other Delights

Last week, during the first Fjord Review Dance Critics’ Festival, Mindy Aloff discussed and read from an Edwin Denby essay during “The Critic’s Process” panel.

Plus