Above: I-Nam Jiemvitayanukoon and Beth Jucovy in Isadora Duncan's Varshavianka; photo by Dmitry Beryozkin
~ Author: Oberon
Monday May 27th, 2019 - Since I had a prior commitment on the evening of their appearance at Sans Limites Movement 2019, Beth Jucovy very kindly arranged for me and photographer Dmitry Beryozkin to watch a rehearsal of her Company, Dance Visions NY, who are presenting the Company's staging of Isadora Duncan's Russian Workers Songs and Scriabin Etudes at the festival.
These works were transmitted to Ms. Jucovy directly by 2nd generation Duncan exponent, Julia Levien, with the exception of The Crossing, which was passed on to Ms. Jucovy by Adrienne Ramm. Isadora Duncan's Scriabin Etudes consist of Mother, The Crossing, and Revolutionary. The Russian Workers Songs are entitled Dubinushka and Varshavianka.
These danceworks were created by Isadora Duncan circa 1923; they were all revived by Irma Duncan and re-staged by Julia Levien, who had danced with Irma's company. The dances reflect Isadora's experiences while she lived in Revolutionary Russia; among their themes are struggle, awakening, protest, revolution, and - ultimately - victory.
Dance Visions NY dancers who perform in the Russian Workers Songs are Beth Jucovy, Anastasia Benedetti, Louisa Cathcart, Cathleen Deutscher, Ligia Gaissionok, I-Nam Jiemvitayanukoon, Shannon McMullan, and Rebekah Mulkey. The Scriabin Etudes - three solos - are danced by Ms. Jucovy.
After running thru the Russian Workers Songs a couple of times in practice clothes, the dancers donned the red-hued costumes and danced both pieces full-out.
The Varshavianka sings of the struggle of the workers to throw off the yoke of oppression. Marching under the red flag of Liberty, one by one the valiant fighters are shot down; but with each casualty, another brave worker takes up the banner. In the end, the fallen are transfigured; they rise again to carry on the struggle.
Photos from Varshavianka:
Beth Jucovy
Louisa Cathcart and Ligia Gaissionok
Ligia Gaissionok and Cathleen Deutscher
Cathleen Deutscher and Ligia Gaissionbok
I-Nam Jiemvitayanukoon and Shannon McMullan
I-Nam Jiemvitayanukoon, Shannon McMullan
Above: the finale of the Varshavianka
The Dubinushka was sung by dock workers, hauling the heavy ropes in the shipyard; they sang this song to maintain the rhythm of their work.
Photos from Dubinushka:
Beth Jucovy
Above: in the foreground are Shannon McMullan and Rebekah Mulkey
After dancing the Workers Songs, the dancers began packing up to leave. We talked with them briefly: some have been dancing with Ms. Jucovy for many years, so the Company definitely has the feel of family. Beth began tidying up the studio, and I asked her a question about the Scriabin Etudes. "Shall I dance them for you?", she asked. And in the twinkling of an eye, she donned the Isadorian scarves and began to dance the three solos.
Mother:
The Crossing:
Revolutionary:
Beth danced these solos in full performance mode, deeply involved and vibrantly expressive; it was so generous of her to share these unique works with us.
~ Oberon
Photos: Dmitry Beryozkin