In its first program of the season, Fire and Ice, Miami City Ballet brought the work of three very different choreographers to bear, and with surprising results. The “ice” part of the program was Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Patineurs, a light-hearted winter wonderland of skaters on a frozen pond that was reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas card. Les Patineurs, set to music by … [Read more...]
Season Preview 2012-13: New leadership at MCB raises dance stakes
Although Ballet Florida is now long-gone, the world of South Florida dance is seeing other big changes, most notably the arrival at Miami City Ballet of a new director following the sidelining and then departure of the company’s founder, Edward Villella. But there are small, scrappy companies hereabouts making their marks in the dance world, and the major area venues are … [Read more...]
Dance troupes join forces for Eissey show
When Ballet Florida shut its doors in 2009, it left a hole in the local dance world. But it didn’t disrupt the network of dancers, choreographers and enthusiasts who wanted to see the art of Terpsichore continue under the palms. Jerry Opdenaker, a 47-year-old performer and choreographer who danced with for 22 years with Pennsylvania Ballet, the Kansas City Ballet and Ballet … [Read more...]
Pilobolus shows power of collective invention
Pilobolus finished off the Duncan Theatre’s 25th anniversary season in a way that few dance companies can. Engaging and satisfying on so many levels, one can clearly sense the unique creative force required to present such a satisfying program. The company functions as a collective, collaborating to create the works that are performed, and you can feel the hours they spend in … [Read more...]
MCB’s ‘Giselle’ ecstatic, classic
The Miami City Ballet’s performance of Giselle Sunday afternoon at the Kravis Center proved to be an ecstatic rendering of Adolphe Adam’s classic Romantic ballet. Tricia Albertson gave a lovely nuanced and technically sound performance as the young peasant girl betrayed by Albrecht, a cad of an aristo, danced by Renan Cerdeiro, just prior to his marriage to a noblewoman. … [Read more...]
Paul Taylor Company masterful in Duncan show
The Paul Taylor Dance Company graced the stage of the Duncan Theatre on Friday night, presenting three works from one of the nation’s best and most prolific choreographer. Fortunately for us, the company was able to fill in for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, which was unable to make it here for the Duncan Theatre’s 25th anniversary season. Paul Taylor (b. 1930) has choreographed … [Read more...]
Luna Negra show sometimes baffling, but artistry shines through
Luna Negra Dance Theater is a contemporary dance company from Chicago that is making a name for itself by exclusively presenting the works of acclaimed contemporary Latino choreographers. The works are bold departures from traditional Latino folkloric themes and together with the talent of the 10 dancers in the company, a very dynamic synergy has been created. This creative … [Read more...]
Scarlett’s ‘Viscera’ a stunning triumph for MCB
Edward Villella is getting a tremendous sendoff as he eases out of his role as artistic director of the Miami City Ballet, the company he founded 26 years ago. And the rest of us? We get to revel in his company’s brilliant success. A packed house Saturday at the Kravis Center was treated to one of the world-premiere performances of Viscera, a piece created especially for the … [Read more...]
Ballet Memphis show celebrates togetherness
If it’s true, as Sartre said, that Hell is other people, it isn’t a message that will find much support at Ballet Memphis. The dance company, now celebrating its 25th year, brought four dances to the Duncan Theatre on Friday night in the first of two performances (the show is repeated tonight). Twelve members of the 23-person troupe from the blues capital were on stage for a … [Read more...]
MCB’s Program I electrifies at Kravis
Miami City Ballet opened its 26th season at the Kravis Center this weekend with a rousing performance of four diverse, contemporary works that ended with a standing ovation Friday night from a near-capacity crowd. The evening began with George Balanchine’s Square Dance. This high-energy, technically challenging ballet was perfectly danced: Jeanette Delgado was the … [Read more...]