There's always so much going on at MMAC (Manhattan Movement and Arts Center). On Saturday January 8, 2011 after watching a really exciting rehearsal of Parsons Dance (preparing for their upcoming season at The Joyce) we paid an impromptu visit to another studio where choreographer Emery LeCrone was in the process of creating a new solo work on Alexandra Blacker (above), a lovely dancer from Miro Magloire's New Chamber Ballet. Additionally one of our favorite ballet beauties, Deborah Wingert, was in the studio as ballet mistress. Kokyat was delighted to have three such pretty subjects for his camera.
Above, choreographer Emery LeCrone demonstrates a step. This newest creation from Emery - set to the Saint-Saens violin sonata - struck me as extremely demanding. For over an hour, Alexandra worked tirelessly on both the steps - which take her on a full trajectory around the space - and the nuances of port de bras and expression.
In one particularly lovely moment, the music is quite animated but the dancer pauses in place with her back to the audience and slowly moves the upper body in a supple bending motion and wafting the arms in a graceful arc. Then she is off again and on to another combination.
Ballet mistress de luxe Deborah Wingert notating the choreography...
...and then gives Alexandra a tip. Love the sox!
Miro arrived to have a look at how the work is progressing. We had felt a bit odd dropping in unannounced but he, Emery, Alexandra and Deborah were all so welcoming that we stayed to the end.
New Chamber Ballet's next performances are set for February 4th and 5th at City Center Studio. Aside from the new Emery LeCrone solo, there will be premieres of works by Constantine Baecher (to Debussy) and by Miro, set to his own musical score. Information here.
Love that picture of Emery.
Posted by: Natalie Axton | January 13, 2011 at 10:01 AM
She is very photogenic.
Kokyat wanted very much to take a portrait of Emery, Alexandra and Deborah together after the rehearsal but Deborah had to rush off so he missed his chance.
Posted by: Philip | January 13, 2011 at 03:09 PM