By Tara Mitton Catao In the third installment of its popular modern dance series, the Duncan Theatre veered away from the companies of iconic modern dance makers and presented BodyVox. The eight-member troupe from Portland, Ore., is the creation of the husband-and-wife team of Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland and showcases their choreography. Both share the same professional … [Read more...]
Paul Taylor at Duncan: The renegade still astonishes
By Tara Mitton Catao It was only a short 13 months ago that the Paul Taylor Dance Company was here at the Duncan Theatre performing the iconic modern dance choreographer’s trademark athletic dances. They were revving up for a major season in New York at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater. During the three-week season, a vast variety of programs were to showcase Taylor’s … [Read more...]
Millions of steps, and great dancing, in MCB’s Program II
By Tara Mitton Catao From the moment the Kravis Center curtain rose the night of Jan. 26 until it closed, the Miami City Ballet dancers took off, matching the torrent of musical notes heard with a multitude of steps seen. From the turbulence of Stravinsky, through the delightful sound of Schubert and winding down with the crooning voice of Frank Sinatra, the company danced up … [Read more...]
Martha Graham Company outstanding at Duncan
By Tara Mitton Catao After performing last year at the Kravis Center, the Martha Graham Company returned to South Florida on Friday night to launch the popular modern dance series at the Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth. The company was very good when it performed in the large Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis, but here in the smaller and more intimate … [Read more...]
A.I.M.’s ‘Pavement’ timely, powerful art
By Tara Mitton Catao Kyle Abraham took careful aim at gun violence and suppression in his powerful and intimate portrayal of life in the historically black Pittsburgh neighborhoods of East Liberty, Homewood and the Hill District where he grew up. In a short time, Abraham has established himself as an award-winning choreographer (last year, he received a so-called “genius … [Read more...]
Nutcrackering: Ballet companies ready for holiday favorite
All over the country at this time of year, in prop rooms big and small, someone is dusting off the head of the Mouse King. It’s time, in other words, for The Nutcracker, a ballet from Imperial Russia that has been an indelible staple of American culture for decades, an unmistakable sign of the holiday season as familiar as Ebenezer Scrooge and round-the-clock Christmas carols. … [Read more...]
MCB’s ‘R&J’ sumptuous to look at, but light on the heart
By Tara Mitton Catao Starting its Kravis Center season off last weekend with an ambitious full-length production of John Cranko’s highly regarded Romeo and Juliet, Miami City Ballet continues to present a variety of repertory that not only pleases audiences but also encourages the artistic development of its dancers. In addition to presenting three different casts as Romeo … [Read more...]
Footnotes: A night with The Dancers’ Space
Editor’s note: This is the first of an occasional series of short notes on local dance by dance writer Tara Mitton Catao. By Tara Mitton Catao Saturday night, in support of the local dance scene, I went to the Duncan Theatre to see create.Dance.florida. Eight works were presented by 45 dance artists. Although there was a great variety in the caliber of the performers and the … [Read more...]
2014-15 arts preview: The season in dance
By Tara Mitton Catao The coming dance season promises a strong line up for lovers of both contemporary dance and classical ballet, from large companies such as Miami City Ballet to scrappy modern dance troupes such as Reach Dance Collective. Here’s a closer look at what will be on view for lovers of dance this coming season: Duncan Theatre: The always satisfying seasons at … [Read more...]
Impressive new dances at Reach/O Dance ‘Heat Wave’
It’s a pity that the annual dance intensive summer show produced by the Reach and O Dance companies only had one performance Saturday night, because this collection of modern, jazz and ballet moves showcased intriguing choreography and some standout individual dancers that more people should have been able to see. The show, called Heat Wave, and which contained a touching … [Read more...]