Performing Lucinda Childs' Dance (1979) / Music by Phillip Glass / Film design by Sol LeWitt
This mesmerizing work leans into the repetitious tonal music for which Phillip Glass is known, using the music to not only guide the choreography but also building on the theme with LeWitt's video overlay that displays the same choreography at different scales and with a variety of framing techniques. The physical stamina of these dancers is insane to watch, and the overall result is a beautiful, cohesive, and alluring piece. New York City Center Merce Cunningham's Summerspace
Christopher Wheeldon’s DGV: Danse à Grande Vitesse Justin Peck’s Partita I've never seen the original Swan Lake, but of course am familiar with the iconic music and some of the scenes. Matthew Bourne's production is completely different with (I'm told) clever nods to the original sprinkled throughout. It is sexy and contemporary and the choreography is incredible.
The Performers Every dancer in the production is truly great, and the Swan that we saw (Max Westwell) had incredible stamina and embodied the tall, dark, and handsome role perfectly. The Choreography Since I'm not as familiar with the traditional ballet, the stark difference in this production did not affect my experience. But even I know that no ballet is this sexy, and the way the men are able to so completely and gracefully embody swans is mesmerizing. The Story Again, the gender swap in the famous swan scene is not so scandalous when you haven't seen the original. And beyond that the story is completely altered, placed in a contemporary world with cell phones and a club scene and oh so much sexual tension between the Prince and the Swan. The Music Incredible, and on a loop in my head for days after. |
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