How does one take advantage of that extra day that comes only once every four years? I would say experience something out of the ordinary and if you were at the Duncan Theatre’s third presentation of its dance series this Feb. 29, that is exactly what happened. Those of us who were there experienced an extraordinary show that both informed and thrilled us. It is clear why … [Read more...]
Sumptuous ‘Firebird’ a treat at MCB
The central focus of Miami City Ballet’s Program Three, performed Feb. 21-23 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, was concentrated on the brand-new staging for the newly acquired ballet Firebird. The production itself was visually resplendent with its translucent and mystical 3D special effects and its vibrant and rich costumes, sets and lights. It was a sumptuously … [Read more...]
Dorrance Dance electrifies at Duncan with tap ‘Double Down’
What do you get when you cross America’s original art form with today’s technology? A reinvigorating artistic experience that wows everyone in the audience. Dorrance Dance is an award-winning New York-based dance company that both honors tap dance’s history and propels it into the new age of technology. The company returned to the Duncan Theatre on Feb. 7-8 as part of its … [Read more...]
‘I’m Old Fashioned’ leads off MCB’s Program II with exceptional elegance
Who was dancing with brilliant ease with Miami City Ballet at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts a couple weekends ago? Why, it was Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth gliding across the stage in a sweeping waltz. Projected larger-than-life on a huge screen, they introduced I’m Old-Fashioned, Jerome Robbins’ tribute to the silver screen and the glamorous, bygone golden age … [Read more...]
BalletX opens Duncan series in inventive but mixed-bag fashion
BalletX, a Philadelphia-based contemporary ballet company, opened the Duncan Theatre’s popular Modern Dance Series on Jan. 17 in Lake Worth. Under the leadership of Christine Cox, with an artistic mission to commission ballets from choreographers around the globe that will be inclusive and satisfying to the audience, the company has presented 78 world premieres by 39 … [Read more...]
MCB in fine form for evening of Balanchine, Taylor
Miami City Ballet adroitly launched its new season with the first of four diverse programs at the Kravis Center earlier this month. With a plethora of new dancers on the roster and some well-deserved promotions within the company ranks, MCB was in excellent form. Fully energized and technically strong, the company members took on the challenges of the different dance … [Read more...]
Beautiful, visually lavish ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ ends MCB season
The visually lavish production of George Balanchine’s evening-length ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream closed out Miami City Ballet’s 2018-19 season in the Palm Beaches last week. This revisit of the $2.1 million reimagining of the original work was something to behold. The spectacular set and costumes were by artist Michele Oka Doner, who looked to the Miami waterways for … [Read more...]
Paul Taylor troupe sublime in late master’s dances
At last, Esplanade. The Paul Taylor Dance Company performed an exuberant version of what is generally considered Taylor’s most popular work to a very enthusiastic audience March 23 in Lake Worth. To finally see Esplanade performed on the Duncan Theatre stage was like eating the cherry on top of a long-awaited ice cream sundae. The company has participated in Palm Beach … [Read more...]
MCB sparkles in Peck’s ‘Heatscape,’ Balanchine
It’s hard to believe the season is almost over. This past weekend, Miami City Ballet presented its Program Three at the Kravis Center and fast on its heels will be its final program, the full-length A Midsummer Night’s Dream by George Balanchine with music by Felix Mendelssohn, which will close out the company’s season in the Palm Beaches on April 4 and 5. Program Three was … [Read more...]
Celebrating Paul Taylor: Dance troupe to pay tribute to founder in Duncan stay
When the Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to South Florida next week, it will do so for the first time without its founder, a legend of American dance. Paul Taylor, widely considered one of the greatest of all American choreographers, died in August at age 88 of kidney failure. He was a trailblazer, an entertainer and a true master of his craft. The dances he created … [Read more...]