BWW Dance Review: Pushing the Envelope Forward with NEW CHAMBER BALLET

On September 16, 2016, Artistic Director, Miro Magloire, and company New Chamber Ballet, kicked off its' 2016-17 season with an exciting mix of old and new works at the City Center Studios. With this not being my first time seeing the troupe perform, I was curious what to expect since I saw them last year. But I must say, I was not disappointed before, and I was not disappointed this time either!

Upon walking into the cozy and intimate studio, I noticed the place was packed! There were definitely a lot more people than I remember from last year. I was happy to see so many people. It was almost a standing room only. If Magloire keeps it up, he will have to find a larger venue- which is a good problem to have!

The program opened with a company classic, Silk. This is one of the older pieces in the company's repertoire. The work is a lovely trio set to a Baroque violin sonata by Giuseppe Tartini. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the dancers as they gracefully move across the stage in beautiful light blue dresses. What an elegant dance! I loved the long lines, soft hands, and nice shapes of the dancers as they performed. I particularly enjoyed the moments of unison, and especially the canon section. It added the cherry on top to such a delicious dance.

Next featured the world premiere by Magloire entitled Upon My Wings. This is a delicate sculptural duet to a Tanz Tanz by Reiko Fueting. The choreography contained interesting partner work with a nice use of negative space, intriguing poses, and complex lifts. The balances absolutely showcased the dancers' strength and flexibility.

There was a second world premiere by Magloire, Yellow-Rose-Red-Blue. This was such an exciting quartet. There was a lot of contrast in the movements such as push and pull, away and towards, and the duets moving in quick time and half time. I particularly loved the fast and intricate footwork the dancers performed, which is complicated enough, but then to do that en pointe is even more of a reason these dancers are to be praised.

The evening concluded with the fun, jazz-inspired piece, DJazz. I loved it! Great technique, lovely extensions, and very sassy. And an excellent choice in the costumes by Sarah Thea. I particularly loved it when the dancers turned as the fringe spun with them. I also tip my hat to Magloire for his inventive choreographic genius.

Tonight's performance showed why they called the New Chamber Ballet-new for innovation. I praise Magloire for sophisticated musical choices and using music by young or rarely heard composers. His choreography is truly pushing the envelope forward when it comes to ballet. I appreciate what this company is doing and contributing to the field. As a company full of grace, elegance and athleticism, the New Chamber Ballet is definitely one to watch!

The season will continue with performances on Friday and Saturday, November 18 & 19 back at the City Center Studios featuring works by Magloire. Please visit their website at www.newchamberballet.com for more information and performance details.

Photo of of "Silk" with Traci Finch and Cassidy Hall, Photo Credit New Chamber Ballet

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