danceviewtimes

At Long Last

"Serenade", "Angels' Atlas"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 11, 2021

by Denise Sum
copyright © 2021 by Denise Sum

Having endured one of the longest lockdowns in the world, the pent up desire for connection and live performance in Toronto has been palpable. The National Ballet of Canada’s triumphant return to the stage after 20 months was cause for joyous celebration, an opening night like no other. The evening consisted of two great ensemble pieces: George Balanchine’s “Serenade” and Crystal Pite’s “Angels’ Atlas”. In lieu of an intermission, a 10 minute video interlude allowed the dancers just enough time for a quick change. The video was filmed during the pandemic for the NBoC’s virtual 2020-2021 season, featuring “Soul” by Toronto-based indigenous choreographer, Jera Wolfe. 

Kingly Dancers At Work

Alonzo King Lines Ballet
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
November 6, 2021
San Francisco, CA

By Rita Felciano
Copyright © Rita Felciano 2021

         It is rare to get a standing ovation half-way through an evening’s program. But the Alonzo King Lines Ballet dancers had it more than had earned with outstanding performances of excerpts of four King choreographies, the oldest going back to 2007.  The company had been on the road and, after two performances only, was about to take off again for a tour of Europe. The audience acknowledged Lines’ artistry with a rousing “welcome back.” King had lovingly entitled the selections Four Heart Testaments. The audience acknowledged Lines’ artistry with a rousing “welcome back.”

Womanspreading: Re-defining Butoh

 "Eternity 123"
Vangeline 
Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn 
October 30, 2021

--   By Tom Phillips 
Copyright 20231 by Tom Phillips

Butoh queen Vangeline describes her solo "Eternity 123" as a "symbolic journey of women's liberation across time."  I tossed the program note aside and watched the show with an open mind, with which the artist proceeded to play. 

Photo by Bryan Kwon