BWW Reviews: LA VOZ DEL CUERPO/THE BODY SPEAKS by Christine Dakin Captivates at the 92nd Street Y

La Voz del Cuerpo/The Body Speaks, the film written and directed by Christine Dakin, was screened on May 16th as part of the "Fridays at Noon" programming at the 92nd Street Y. This truly beautiful movie presents an insightful view of the art of dance and integrates the vibrant culture of Mexico.

Dakin is the Artistic Director Laureate of the Martha Graham Dance Company. Since 1976, she has been celebrated for her performances of Graham's roles and roles created for her by Graham, Twyla Tharp, Robert Wilson and Martha Clark. She is the Associate Founder of Buglisi Dance Theatre and currently teaches at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and the Ailey School.

Ever gracious, Christine Dakin introduced the program to the full house audience. She generously credited the many people and organizations that have made the movie a resounding success.

Several live dance performances preceded the film screening and they were the ideal touch to the afternoon. Two incredibly talented soloists fascinated the audience with selections from very different eras; ones that demonstrated a real connection in the processes of modern dance.

Alejandro Chavez, dancer, choreographer and artistic director of the Mexican company, Ciudad Interior, performed Septimo Fragmento (2013). Heidi Nicole Stoeckley performed Martha Graham's renowned piece, Lamentation (1930). Stoeckley was a soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company under the direction of Christine Dakin and Terese Capucilli. She is currently Artistic Director of Children's Dance Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama.

Lamentation was accompanied by pianist Louis Stewart who is also a conductor, composer, professor and recording artist. Stewart was the pianist and assistant conductor for the Martha Graham Dance Company from 1971 through 1977.

Dakin's 27 minute film, La Voz del Cuerpo/The Body Speaks is her "personal poetic: what a dancer creates and leans in a life of practice, imagination, performance and teaching." It was created with musicians and dancers contemporary and folkloric, from Mexico and the United States. They are friends and students that have worked with Dakin for more than two decades and with whom she has shared the dancer's life and the art of Martha Graham.

Dakin provides the narrative for the La Voz del Cuerpo/The Body Speaks. Her prose and the musical selections work perfectly to engage the audience in the film's spectacular scenes. The movie includes highlights from Dakin's own performances, classroom technique, and traditional pieces from Mexico. The artful integration of nature as a backdrop and as inspiration for dance completely captivated the 92nd Street Y audience,

La Voz del Cuerpo/The Body Speaks both an English and Spanish version. It is a movie with very a broad appeal to be enjoyed by dance enthusiasts and those that appreciate the fine art of filmmaking.

For more information on Christine Dakin and her film, visit her web site at www.christinedakin.com.

The "Fridays at Noon" programs are curated by Catherine Tharin. The 92nd Street Y is located at 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue. For more information on future programs at the Y, visit, http://www.92y.org.

Photo Credit: Peter C. Cook

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