BWW Reviews: Manhattan Youth Ballet Presents STORIES THAT DANCE

The final performance of Manhattan Youth Ballet's spring production, Stories that Dance: Shakespeare and his Legacy, was full of joy. Four story ballets were performed with the young dancers involved in the story telling, rather than just going through the movements.

First Touch, a world premiere, choreographed by Brian Reeder, to music composed by Simon Standage, told the story of Romeo and Juliet. The choreography was challenging for the students, including difficult pointe work and a multitude of pirouettes, some achieved, some not quite; but the dancers were undaunted in their pursuit of meaning in Verona.

The Midsummer Night's Dream excerpt, from George Ballanchine's ballet, to Felix Mendelssohn's music, was staged by Deborah Wingert, head of the dance faculty. The atmosphere was just right for this ballet, especially helped by the costume design by Jessica Hendrickson, Lisa Reneau, Andrea Spiridonakos, and Peggy Casey, as well as the choreography and the enthusiasm of the students/dancers. At this performance, Brian Casey replaced Marcelo Martinez as King Oberon. Casey demonstrated enormous talent and potential, not only in terms of technique, which he appears to be working well, but in his exemplary and artistic expression. It showed that he has a good grasp on his role and how to perform for an audience.

Ophelia, choreography by Clifton Brown, to music of Patrick Doyle, was a gem of a work, which incorporated vocal soloist, Ava Arkin, who walked across the stage as she sang. This piece was created to perfectly suit these budding dancers, who looked very well coached to create the ambiance, with flowing movements, unison, and musicality (which is a trait I found generally prevalent throughout the performance). That this was the only piece on the program with no dancers on pointe had no noticeable consequence to the flavor. Soloists, including Casey as Hamlet, were passionate. All the dancers performed with freedom and spirit.

Excerpts from Le Corsaire, choreography of Marius Petipa, music by Adolphe Adam, was quite an ambitious undertaking for the principals, who did a good job with the solos. One of the demi soloists, dancing as one of six in the section, Jardin Anime, stood apart for her natural line and beautiful approach, Rachel Tranter, who also appeared in Midsummer Night's Dream as one of four butterflies. She is one to watch as she blossoms and does other roles in the coming years.

Seeing this performance and a few bright lights within the group has given me an optimistic feeling about the future of classical ballet.

To post a comment, you must register and login.