BWW Reviews: Beijing Dance Theatre

Wild Grass- Beijing Dance Theatre

Performing in the midst of Fall for Dance week, Beijing Dance Theatre may not have gotten the attention the company deserved, as evidenced by the empty seats in the Harvey Theatre at Bam. Certainly those who chose to see Beijing Dance Theatre over some of the other programs offered that week were not disappointed. The evening's program, Wild Grass choreographed by Wang Yuanyuan, inspired by the poems of Chinese writer Lu Xun, left me wondering whether it is a dancer's facility, theatricality or the choreography that most draws me into a production.

The first piece, Dead Fire, featured the company moving to first subtle than dramatic piano music, with rose petals fluttering over the stage. The facility of the dancers amazed me: their extension, technique, and seamless and musical transitions. However, I felt the choreography typical of the contemporary modern scene. I also wondered if the stone-faced expressions on the dancers were intentional; if so perhaps I missed how that artistic choice added to the piece.

Next came Farewell Shadows, a lively and deliciously chaotic contemporary ballet piece performed to the music of a Scandinavian electronic artist. The first section of the piece featured women en pointe, partnered by men who seemed to drag and control the ladies' failing limbs as they sought freedom. The pictures were magnificent and fleeting. The next section featured women dancing independent of the men but with intense, sultry, even angry chemistry. The music, in combination with the theatricality of the dancers and the unique composition, kept my eyes glued to the stage.

The last dance of the evening, Dance of Extremity, was a piece with the large ensemble performing on what appeared to be a rug made of dry grass. The most striking moment occurred at the end as the ensemble slowly marched from the perimeter of the rug into the center, enfolding upon itself.

The theme of nature tightly provided for a cohesive program. While each dancer demonstrated their flawless lines and stunning technique, I wonder if Beijing Dance Theatre could have offered more of their soul and artistry.

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