Stars of the International Ballet Stage
As seen at New York City Center, New York. Photographs by Steven Pisano
PlusWorld-class review of ballet and dance.
In these fast-paced times, where we are bombarded with spectacles that compete to be flashier, more action-packed, and more hi-tech than the next, it was a joy to experience an evening of charm and timeless simplicity. Japan Society’s program “Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro” demonstrated that there are classic, traditional expressions that are adaptively incorporating contemporary influences and exist as current, expandable, living traditions.
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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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