BWW Dance Review: GRAHAM 2 Opens NY Season Honoring Patricia Birch

Graham 2 opened its 2016 New York season on June 2, 2016 with a special benefit performance honoring the renowned choreographer and former Graham Company alumna, Patricia Birch.

Ms. Birch is an award-winning choreographer, director, and dancer. She started her career as a soloist dancer in the Martha Graham Dance Company. Subsequently, she left the concert dance stage for the Broadway and musical stage. Ms. Birch is probably most known for her choreography in the musical Grease. She is a two-time Emmy Award-winner, has been honored by the Fred & Adele Astaire Awards, the Rosie's Theater Kids and is a five-time Tony Award nominee. Some of her choreography credits include: A Little Night Music, Over Here!, Pacific Overtures, Candide, and Parade. She has also worked with Cyndi Lauper, the Rolling Stones, Carly Simon, and has choreographed numbers for both Saturday Night Live and Boardwalk Empire.

Following the lovely film "You're The One That We Want, Pat Birch!" directed by Nancy Stevens, that highlighted Birch's accomplishments and contributions to dance, the Graham 2 Company performed a special re-staging of Hand Jive from Grease with live music performed by Louis St. Louis on the piano. It was fun and entertaining. You can tell the dancers were enjoying themselves on the stage and the pleasure trickled out into the audience as evidenced by the big smiles and hearty laughs around the room.

Ms. Birch was then invited to the stage to say a few words. It was such an honor to be in the same room as her and hear her speak. One thing she said that I will take with me: "A good dance starts with the intention." I believe that to be very true. Once you have that, the motivation and inspiration to move comes.

Next was the world premiere of Cyclical Journey, by Virginie Mécène, Artistic Director of Graham 2. It was absolutely beautiful! The choreography was stunning, the lifts were breath-taking, and the dancers made it look effortless. I loved it! I also appreciated the dancers' strong technique and long lines.

The evening concluded with Maple Leaf Rag, by Martha Graham herself. It is said by Louis Horst, her musical director, that when "Mirthless Martha" was frustrated by a new dance, she would turn and say, "Oh, Louis, play me the Maple Leaf Rag"- the only thing that would cheer her up. I enjoyed it! I liked the interesting use of the bouncy balance beam as a prop throughout the piece. It also incorporated some comedy. The dancers' expressions were spot on!

What a talented group of dancers. They move with such grace and elegance. Graham 2 is comprised of the most advanced students of the Martha Graham School. If these are the folks destined to be the next generation of Graham dancers, I think the Company is in good hands.

To learn more about or the support the Graham 2 Company or Martha Graham School students, please visit their website at: www.marthagraham.org.

Guyonn Auriau and Jacob Larsen in Graham 2 performance of Virginie Mécène's Cyclical Journey. Photo by Brigid Pierce.

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