Explorations
Arka Ballet
American Dance Institute
Rockville, Maryland
June 20, 2009
by George Jackson
copyright 2009 by GJ
With a behemoth, the Bolshoi Ballet, in town could a small classical company performing in a modest studio theater make a dent? Arka's impact was due to its dancers' interest in exploring styles and cultures, and its director's choice of apt repertory. Distinctions between different types of ballet dancing (Royal Danish, Maryinsky, International Romantic) were conveyed with care. The nuances of love in contrasting societies (old Oriental, genteel European, modern Latino) were addressed seriously. Worthwhile and varied fare well prepared was what the audiences attending this 10th anniversary Arka program saw.