Stars of the International Ballet Stage
As seen at New York City Center, New York. Photographs by Steven Pisano
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It seems like not too long ago that audiences ventured with Clara through the Land of the Sweets and now Cincinnati Ballet takes us yet on another journey, this time with Alice and her adventures in Wonderland. Septime Webre’s take on the iconic tale by Lewis Carroll is a feast for the senses both young and old can enjoy—vibrant sets and costumes, humor, an inspiring score by Matthew Pierce, and just enough touches of the classic story without being a total regurgitation (familiar characters like the Mad Hatter, King and Queen of Hearts, and White Rabbit all make their appearances). What’s more, Webre’s interpretation features choreography that both the balletomane, and the dancers themselves, can appreciate and find challenging—quick, complex footwork, intricate lifts and partnering sequences, and sweeping manèges. The dance of the flamingos in the first act is reminiscent of the entrance of the swans during act two of “Swan Lake,” complete with a pas de quatre like that found in the Tchaikovsky ballet.
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Katherine Ochoa in Septime Webre’s “Alice (in Wonderland).” Photograph by Hiromi Platt
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As seen at New York City Center, New York. Photographs by Steven Pisano
PlusWhile Kendrick Lamar performed “Humble,” during his Super Bowl halftime set and was surrounded by dancers clad in red, white and blue—and in the process assumed the formation of the American flag (choreographed by Charm La’Donna)—so, too, did Faye Driscoll use performers who created slews of shapes/sculptures in her astonishing work, “Weathering,” seen at REDCAT on February 8, the last of three sold-out performances.
PlusLet’s start with the obvious, or maybe to some this notion will be highly disputable, even offensive. OK, then, let’s start with what kept repeating in my head as I walked out of UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, synapses abuzz with the wonders of Twyla Tharp Dance’s 60th anniversary “Diamond Jubilee” program: My God, Twyla Tharp really is the most brilliantly inventive choreographer now alive on the planet.
PlusIn Maldonne, French filmmakers Leila KA and Josselin Carré pose eleven women side by side on a barren stage. They’re dressed in floral patterns that hearken to the 1950s. The camera zooms in to frame their faces—each woman is in a state of distress.
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