New Voices from Japan + East Asia
Japan Society presented its 20th showcase of contemporary dance with works from emerging choreographers in East Asia over a mid-January weekend.
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An austere wind-chill cuts though the very heart of Christopher Hampson's new adaptation of the classic fairytale, “The Snow Queen.” This new piece, created for Scottish Ballet's 50th anniversary, immediately eschews any notions of cosy familiarity with Hans Christian Andersen's tale, sanding down the twee sentimentality, while adding bold new elements of cunning. In this incarnation, with its tweedy, grey anytown location, populated by the poor and the needy, magic is used to nefarious ends, all the while ultimately retaining romance and sparkle. It starts with playful sibling rivalry, becomes a chase scene in unknown territory, before landing in a heart-warming, traditional wintry folklore homage.
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Constance Devernay and Andrew Peasgood in Scottish Ballet's world premiere of Christopher Hampson's “The Snow Queen.” Photograph by Andy Ross
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Japan Society presented its 20th showcase of contemporary dance with works from emerging choreographers in East Asia over a mid-January weekend.
Continue ReadingIn a four-day span of early January I saw: Monica Bill Barnes wrestle a giant beach ball at Playwrights Horizons; Malcolm-x Betts and Nile Harris shoot blanks into the rafters of the Chocolate Factory in honor of Judith Jamison’s spirit; Symara Sarai run in and out of a swirling lasso at New York Live Arts Studios; and Angie Pittman dart across a shallow stage, in character as a vampire, cape flying, at BAM Fisher Hillman Studio in a shared bill with Kyle Marshall Choreography. In short, it was APAP season.*
Continue ReadingSara Veale’s new book Wild Grace: The Untamed Women of Modern Dance (Faber & Faber) examines the lives of nine boldly subversive dancemakers over nearly a century, starting with Isadora Duncan and ending with Pearl Lang. Along the way, it provides a pared but potent mini-history on the emergence of women’s rights.
Continue ReadingNo matter the theme, an evening with David Dorfman Dance is likely to uplift. The gregarious choreographer has a habit of engaging with the audience pre and/or post show with energy approaching that of a church revival gathering.
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