A Day Full of Dance

Tuesday January 8, 2008 -  When I went to see Gotham Chamber Opera's production of MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES in September it was my "reunion" with the David Parsons Dance Company. I had seen a lot of David's earliest work at Jacob's Pillow but since moving to New York City I admit I've neglected every other dance company in favor of New York City Ballet. When I saw David's exciting new (to me) troupe of dancers in rehearsal and in performance of the Piazzolla opera, I was reminded of all those wonderful days at the Pillow. I promised myself that I would be there for the Parsons season at the Joyce and I bought tickets for their January 20 matinee. Thanks to a New Year's invitation from publicist Michelle Brandon, I was thrilled to get a preview peek at the Company's Joyce repertoire at their dress rehearsal today. All I can say is: GO! if you possibly can. (Tonya covers Parsons Dance here.)

The Joyce is a perfect place to view this Company. The stage is large enough so the dancers have a lot of freedom but the theatre is intimate enough so you feel connected to what's happening onstage. The rehearsal today was mainly for the benefit of press photographers; short excerpts from four of David's works were presented: CLOSURE, NASCIMENTO, BACHIANA and BROTHERS. When the small audience of invitees was ushered in, the dancers were warming up and the immediate sense of energy gave me a rush. David has some truly remarkable dancers in his troupe these days, a wonderful variety of physical types. Watching the excerpts, I loved how the dancers responded to David's coachings, instantly able to give him whatever subtle changes he wanted. I particularly taken with the very lively duet from NASCIMENTO danced by Miguel Quinones and Malvina Sardou; David kept asking Miguel to repeat a particularly risky 'catch' and Miguel obliged as Malvina flung herself at him time and again. Patty Foster, who puts me in mind somewhat of the unforgettable Kate Johnson, was superb in a duet from BACHIANA, beautifully partnered by Billy Smith. In a funny & teasingly macho duet from BROTHERS, Tommy Scrivens and Miguel Quinones were really sexy. The photo shows some of the dancers:Tommy Scrivens,  Abby Silva, Kevin Ferguson and Miguel Quinones. What is unusual about the photo is, they are standing still.

The passion and power of the Parsons Dancers left me feeling elated; when I met Lisette later in the day she immediately said: "Hey, you're in a good mood!" Funny how great dancing can do that for your spirits. Heading for PQ with Lisette, I saw Edwaard Liang walking towards us. I thought it would be fun to take a photo of Ed & Lisette together, the two people I've interviewed for my blog. But of course I was too shy to ask. After our late lunch, Lisette went off to sing the Dew Fairy in the Met's HANSEL & GRETEL and I went over to New York City Ballet to see their programme titled DANCE FOR JOY.

This is a programme I might have skipped this year but it became necessary to go tonight when the return of Janie Taylor in a role debut in BRANDENBURG was announced. I've heard so many stories about what Janie has gone thru over the past couple of years; it's just wonderful to have her back onstage. I didn't really like BRANDENBURG when I first saw it years ago, and I liked it even less when I saw it again last Spring. Tonight I thoroughly enjoyed the opening movement but later it really seemed choreographically rather thin and much too long. Still, all the things I love about Janie - the face, the legs, the cool clarity of the steps and her sense of daring - made seeing her again a real pleasure . Although in their duet they rarely touch, Jared Angle provided elegant support for her and danced very well. Earlier Megan Fairchild and Gonzalo Garcia teamed up  nicely.  The 'corps' included soloists and even one principal - Abi Stafford - who enjoyed a particularly joyous partnership with Antonio Carmena. If you can visualize Rebecca Krohn, Faye Arthurs, Alina Dronova, Likolani Brown, Gwyneth Muller and Rachel Piskin all onstage at the same time, you can imagine how frustrated I became trying to keep track of them all. Special kudos to Brittany Pollack who looked very comfortable in this classy group. Tyler Angle was outstanding among the boys, high praise if you consider the others who were dancing at their best: Adam Hendrickson, Adrian Danchig-Waring, Rob Fairchild, Allen Peiffer, Sean Suozzi and Christian Tworzyanski. How I wish all these gorgeous people had been showcased in a different ballet!   

Tyler, Adrian and Rebecca were back and looking terrific in CAROUSEL, with Ashley Laracey bringing her lovely presence to the quartet.  Katie Bergstrom, Lauren King and Glenn Keenan looked fetching, and I loved the match-up of Maya Collins and Vincent Paradiso. Tiler Peck and Damian Woetzel repeated their very persuasive interpretation of this Wheeldon ballet and I was happy to join in the enthusiastic applause that greeted their bows. But I don't want to see this ballet again for a while.

Yvonne Borree danced Peter Martins' ZAKOUSKI tonight and she was lyrical and charming, the beautiful red & violet costume setting off her black hair. Nikolaj Hubbe was replaced by Benjamin Millepied who was on fine form; coming out for his solo, you almost think he isn't going to DO anything. Then the steps, in the gypsy manner, begin. Almost nonchalant. Eventually he gets into some turns and jumps before it subsides again. The duet for Yvonne & Benjamin ends on a lovely note; he swirls her around and to the floor where the momentum allows her to slide across the stage as he sweeps into a deep bow. I really enjoyed their performance tonight, with the excellent playing of Arturo Delmoni and Richard Moredock providing added appeal. (Kolnik photo of Yvonne and Nikolaj Hubbe from an earlier performance.)

Maria Kowroski in THE CONCERT. This ballet was hilarious the first time i saw it but - like most funny things - the humor wears off in time. However, I hadn't seen it for a while and tonight's performance had me laughing out loud. Maria K has a knack for zany comedy and she was adorable tonight - meanwhile the Kowroski extension can't be ignored. Andrew Veyette as the hen-pecked husband was an audience favorite while Gwyneth Muller as his wife held her own against memories of the perfect portrayal offered by Delia Peters many years ago. That's Gwyneth leaping in the Paul Kolnik photo, left. Hilarity reigned in the form of an earnest and bespectacled Gina Pazcoguin and the ultimate nerd of Austin Laurent. Arch Higgins, Ashley Laracey and Rachel Piskin all drew laughs and Likolani Brown as the ballerina with the 'wrong' port de bras was priceless. Pianist Nancy McDill played her part to the hilt. Really amusing.

Actually, there is a connection between David Parsons and the City Ballet: David created a role in the Peter Martins ballet BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO in 1988. The role later became a Jock Soto specialty, but it was David and the warmly-remembered Kate Johnson who set this ballet on its path. {UPDATE: While rummaging thru my "boxes" I found this cast list from a performance of the Barber...from my stars & scrawls, it looks like I really enjoyed it.}

Comments

[Nicole]

YEAH for Parsons Dancers! They are awesome. I had so much fun working with them on Maria de BA. Philip, I'm so glad you got to see them again.

[Bobby]

I was so happy to see Janie on stage again. She is GORGEOUS! I just love watching her dance - in fact, her mere presence on stage is alluring. Can't wait to see her in more!

[Philip]

Hi Nic!! How's your RING CYCLE going?? The Parsons Company is looking really spectacular, and Michelle just arranged for me to attend another performance so I can see all the repertoire they are offering. She is a publicist who really cares about the 'public'!!

[Philip]

Yes, Janie Taylor has "IT" in capital letters. I have some ideas about ballets she might do later in the season...I'll see if it comes to pass.

[Nicole]

Philip, I'm so glad I put you in contact with Michelle. She's really nice. If you see any of the dancers give them my love. I look forward to future blogs about Parsons Dance. The Ring is awesome. Goetter is on Sat & very excited!

[Philip]

Yes, Michelle is really so nice...I sent your best wishes to her and the dancers via an email. Happy First Norn!!