November 2006

It is not often that I get to see a variety of styles, by difference companies, on a proscenium, in a single evening. This was the first year I got to see the Weekend of Texas Contemporary dance, produced by Dance Source Houston. Last year's performance at the Miller was cancelled due to the hurricane. Well, alls I can say is that this was contemporary indeed. Most of the companies were new to me. I am familiar with Kathy Dunn Hamrick's work, since we are both based in Austin. However, I was surprised (in a nice way) by the element of the stage manager participating in the show, as well as the Angel. Lets just say Becky Vall's Static was more Dynamic, but it did not leave an impression of something different on me. The dancers were good, but the choreography seemed predictable to me. My impressions were the same with Equipoise by Victoria Loftin. I would like to see more of these two choreographer's works to understand their style better. I have wanted to see Suchu Dance for a long time, but never had the opportunity. I was looking forward to the piece. There is something different about their style, but I need to see more performances to understand their approach. Incorporating video into their performances is normal in their performances, as I understand, and it did have an interesting impact. Cadence by HMB was as engrossing as ever. This was the second time I saw the piece, and I can see it several times before I tire of it. I think I enjoyed it at the Wortham performance, more, due to the lighting of Kris Phelps, on grey marley. Dancepatheatre's Legs was intriguing - more on the way group formations were used. Trouble with Turnout, choreographed by Suzanne Oliver was a hoot, satirizing modern dance. The audio narrative blended well with the execution of the piece by Leah Bauer. Very imaginative and memorable. Stanton Welch's Fingerprints reminded me strongly of his vocabulary/sequencing from Maninyas and Divergence. HB II's dancers were very strong - and exuded the energy required of the piece. Also with all the Pointe work, as well a more structured approach, came as a pleasant change. It resulted in some dynamic photos.

Anuradha Naimpally, the artistic director of Tanjore Performing Arts, teaches Bharatnatyam in Austin, She also collaborates with local dancers. I have had the opportunity to see several of her students perform, as well as short performances by her. IN honor of her teacher visiting Austin, she gave a full length Bharatnatyam solo performance. Her slim arms, and arresting face complemented the characteristic lines of Bharatnatyam and the emotional (abhinaya) aspects of the performance. Most of the pieces were original works of her teacher, Venugopal Pillai. I was impressed by her precision, form, and stamina. The choreography was different and interesting, breaking away from the tradition symmetrical repetitions. I wish the lighting had been better. It would have given far better photos.

The second annual Tapestry of World Dance, was based on the theme of the African Diaspora. The Brazilian Arts Foundation, Kuumba House Dance Theatre, Second Generation Dance Company, UrgeWorks, and WonLandé West African Dance & Drum Company were presented in a single evening. The SGDC and Urgeworks were my favorite companies. SGDC's style seems to have been strongly influenced by Alvin Ailey's style. I found the vocabulary and flow appealing. Urgeworks, kept me engrossed throughout their piece. Their energy style, creative choreography, and coordination were enthralling. It is not often I get to see or capture this style of dance, and it was a treat.

Coming up, Texas Ballet Theater's Majestic Gala, Bruce Wood Dance Company, Requiem's second take, and few other shows.