BWW Reviews: Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company's 30th Season: The Art of Dance Making Unveiled

The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company eloquently communicates brilliance and sophistication. The work is always beautifully complete in technique and delivery, and the implications are permanently significant. While this makes for satisfying dance, the most intriguing aspect of Mr. Jones' effort is an overt desire to remain constantly curious. The theme of inquiry is particularly evident in the thirtieth season celebration, Play and Play: An Evening of Movement and Music, presented at The Joyce Theater. Play and Play is, as it turns out, a masterfully assembled works-in-progress showing of two current pieces, "Ravel: Landscape or Portrait?" and "Story/." Accompanied by The Orion String Quartet, Play and Play is an opportunity to stealthily witness the activity of creating dance.

As the title suggests, the first work, "Ravel: Landscape or Portrait?" solicits more than it discloses. Company member Erick Montes Chavero moves like a body of snakes, all limbs having spines of their own, fluent to the last fingertip and toenail, executing several solos that are prompted by his inclusion or exclusion from the moving body of the group. His demeanor suggests neither aggression nor timidity, but he is physically responsive to situations that might evoke such emotions. The stage décor, designed by Bjorn Amelan, is sparse and stunning. A cubic frame made of thin, white material encompasses the space; its thin lines are a mere suggestion as the dancers pass in and out of the stage within the stage without great concern for its significance. From time to time the stage would go dark and become lit by a blue-ish projection with light spots interspersed. Both the dance and the set seem to be in response to clear and remarkable questions, but, more concretely, the work is a visceral response to the music, Maurice Ravel's String Quartet in F Major.

"Story/" is a variation on the theme of indeterminacy, which was used to create the work "Story/Time" in 2012. Selfishly, it would have been very fulfilling to see a performance of "Story/Time," but "Story/" is a generous display of the process, rather than the product, and it is satisfying to watch work that has not yet been groomed and perfected in terms of form. "Story/" is a combination of variations on movement phrases from "Story/Time" and raw rehearsal material. There is a smattering of stomping, clapping, yelling, virtuosic tossing of bodies, repetition, manipulation of speed, and the use of props - an apple. Moments of true silliness, intimacy, and cooperation lead to a very human whirlwind of a dance in progress.

Of course, the most notable asset of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company is its value of individuality. The company displays personalities within a community, allowing dance to become a more relatable imitation of life. In this particular performance, it was hard to ignore Jennifer Nugent's presence on stage. Not only does her daring honesty and willful athleticism make it difficult to look away, but Ms. Nugent has the ability to compliment the exquisitely distinct qualities of each dancer in the company with her gracious commitment to the big picture of every minute of the entire performance.

"Play and Play: An Evening of Movement and Music" runs March 26-April 7 at The Joyce Theater.

Photos by Lois Greenfield

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