Rose Marija

This documentary film, created and directed by Edoardo Gabbriellini, Italy, 2019, 64m, was presented on Dance Films Association and Film at Lincoln Center and premiered on Sunday, July 19, 2020. It is a well-made biopic about a choreographer/actor/dancer/mime/burlesque performer, Lindsay Kemp. At the age of 80, Kemp reflects on his life and career and states his views along with his recollections. We are treated to interviews and film clips from his career.

Maguy Marin, L'Urgence D'Agir (A Time to Act), 2019 is a powerful and riveting film, directed by David Mambouch, giving the viewer a fascinating glimpse into the career and unique choreographic mind of Maguy Marin.

a??a??a??a??a??a??a??Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Artistic Director of Ballet Vlaanderen (Flanders) since September 2015, has steered the company in a diverse and versatile direction, uniting forty dancers from over fifteen countries. Cherkaoui bridges the gap between ballet and contemporary dance by bringing in some of today's respected contemporary choreographers. On the program currently showing at the Joyce Theater are three contemporary ballets by Akram Khan, Chrystal Pite, and one of his own pieces. This is an exciting program to bring to NYC. I, too, was excited to attend the opening night performance on March 3rd.

​​​​​​​The first performance of Matthew Bourne's contemporary Swan Lake was performed at the Sadler's Wells Theater, London, in 1995. It has endured twenty-five years with the staying power of a new classic -- for very good reason. Bourne has reinvented the swans from maidens who have been turned into beautiful swans by an evil sorcerer, to male swans, summoned by the dreams and desires of a pampered, regimented prince, no sorcerer in sight. Much has been made of this and the homoerotic overtones that appear at times; however, there is much more to it than that as a piece of theater. It is a psychological drama which explores, among other things, celebrity and Royalty in today's world.

Founding Artistic and Executive Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson founded Complexions Contemporary Ballet in 1994. Richardson enjoyed a stellar performing career, having danced with numerous prestigious dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre where he was the first African American principal dancer, as well as Broadway shows. Rhoden, who is the principal choreographer of Complexions, has danced with contemporary and jazz companies and has become a sought-after choreographer.

​​​​​​​Shanghai Ballet was founded in 1966. Spanning over thirty years, this company embraces a blend of traditional and Western dance styles. Xin Lili, Artistic Director since 2011, has brought to the company English versions of Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, a French version of Coppelia and La Sylphide, as well as George Balanchine's Serenade and La Valse. Lili has also invited creations to be made for the Shanghai Ballet. Currently, the Artistic Director of the Shanghai Ballet and it's eighty dancers is Derek Deane with his team. My first impression was that this is a fresh, young company, full of enthusiasm and with room to grow.

​​​​​​​The first performance of a ten city/ten performance tour of the U.S. was given on November 2, 2019 at the Manhattan Center, 311 West 34th Street, NYC. I was excited to be in attendance. Afterall, Russian ballerina Diana Vishneva danced the role of the Princess, known in the original ballet of Sleeping Beauty as Aurora. I had not seen her perform since she left American Ballet Theatre (where she had been a principal dancer since 2005) in 2017; and I wanted to see her next project, a contemporary ballet with mixed media. It was surprising.

On opening night, October 15, Kyle Abraham, Artistic Director, presented six works, including, for one night only, Ash, a solo for American Ballet Theatre principal ballerina, Misty Copeland. Ash was saved for last on the program. The anticipation was palpable, but the entire performance was riveting. Abraham has earned numerous awards and honors for his choreography, and his work has been presented throughout the United States and abroad.

THE DANCE GALLERY FESTIVAL was founded in 2007 by Astrid Von Ussar and Mojcar Ussar as a platform to present choreographers in annual showcases in New York City and Texas. This year, there were three performances at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre, September 27, 28, and 29. I attended the September 28th performance which included twelve works. The Festival offers opportunities and community for emerging dance artists, valuable in today's dance world. Today, Astrid Von Ussar is Artistic Director and Andy Noble is Associate Artistic Director.

On August 17, 2019, I attended Ballet Festival's Program D, curated by Edward Watson, principal dancer of London's Royal Ballet and a performer in this program. He was joined on stage by Sarah Lamb, principal dancer of the Royal Ballet; Robbie Fairchild, former New York City Ballet (NYCB) principal dancer; and Maria Kowroski, NYCB principal dancer. There was much anticipation; audiences were eager for what promised to be a highly memorable evening.

​​​​​​​At New York City's Joyce Theater this week, July 16-21, 2019, Maria Kochetkova is performing eight short pieces by seven contemporary choreographers, joined by five dancers of quality. On Wednesday, July 17th, I experienced the sold-out performance.

The Joyce Theater presents The Bournonville Legacy, July 9 - 14, 2019. Excitement was in the air on opening night when I attended. August Bournonville (August 21, 1805 - November 30, 1879) was a dancer, choreographer, and director of The Royal Danish Ballet. His choreographic legacy that emphasized bravura dancing and mime is an important chapter in the history of ballet.

The School of American Ballet's (SAB) annual Workshop Performances are a public demonstration of the continuing tradition of the vision of George Balanchine. Dozens of advanced students participate each year in the school's Workshop, which culminates in three spring performances at Lincoln Center's Peter Jay Sharp Theater with costumes, lights, and live orchestra.

New York City Ballet (NYCB) has gone through some changes in the past year. In an interview with Jonathan Stafford, Artistic Director, and Wendy Whelan, Associate Artistic Director, Whelan said, 'Change is hard, but change is natural. It's not always easy, but it is informative. And ultimately, it's healthy. It's part of life.'

Ballet Stars of today, and many of tomorrow's talented hopefuls, performed at YAGP's anniversary gala, Founded in 1999 by Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, it is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Many of today's most prominent ballet performers first began their careers here.

Two of the world's most highly prized ballet dancers, Russian born Natalia Osipova and South Dakota born David Hallberg joined their talents to perform at New York City Center on April 3-6, 2019. Both have been principal dancers with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and American Ballet Theatre in NYC, among other credits.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, under the direction of Glenn Edgerton, is one of the most accomplished dance companies in the United States today. After an international career with the Joffrey Ballet and later at the Nederlands Dance Theater 1, both as dancer and artistic director, Edgerton brings unique skills to his position. It shows in his company's performances--serious, accomplished and professional--a real mark that the company is a cut above the rest.