Photo by Reagan Photography
Ondine Geary performs “turning” in a new Project: Motion recital that gets its inspiration from the color blue.
The truth about experimental dance, and also its foible, is that it doesn’t always hit the mark with an audience. A person pays $20, takes a seat in the back row, and maybe some of it will resonate. Maybe there’s too much rolling around on the floor, or bodies that don’t look like dancer bodies, or, the kiss of death (for me): dance that has to be explained by the choreographer else it come across as meaningless drivel.
Photo by Reagan Photography
Ondine Geary performs “turning” in a new Project: Motion recital that gets its inspiration from the color blue.
Project: Motion, a community-based contemporary dance group, has put on a show that does resonate. “eMPHasis on Blue” is at many turns a compelling and entertaining collection of eight dances that offer different interpretations of the color blue.
The theatrical flair with which several choreographers take to the theme makes the overall show accessible and unpretentious. Watching the troupe in action — varying shapes and sizes of bodies doing a Modern-esque medley of movement — can almost make you feel that all dance should be so accepting and joyful.
The move from TheatreWorks into the Evergreen Theatre (formerly Circuit Playhouse) has enhanced the work; instead of being spread out across a big open floor space, the dancing is leaner and more sharply focused on the smaller stage.
Louisa Koeppel’s enjoyable opener, “True,” takes place in a blues club where the eight dancers break into playful vignettes. Singer Raine Hicks Wheeler and guitarist Davey Ray Bennett perform elegant versions of jazz standards that give the scene a mellow, mood indigo.
Dancer Ondine Geary puts her heart into a deeply affecting solo, “turning,” which depicts a ballerina dropping from a pedestal of sorts, and then trying to regain artistic control over a rebelling body. Her intensity is spellbinding.
Wayne M. Smith’s “Rhythm is in the Blues (Ace in the Place...)” also has a personal connection. He is related to bluesman Johnny “Ace” Alexander, Jr. whose soundtrack backs Smith’s improvisational style. It’s good, messy fun that makes the audience want to dance along.
Choreographers Rebecca Cochran and Emily Hefley’s “Floor #6” is a marvelous closer for the evening, and a most delightful work. A group of corporate women get on an elevator and immediately size each other up. Their clothes speak almost as loudly as their jabbing elbows. Standout dancer Emily Argyle, imperious in her power suit, backs up her imposing presence with stately moves.
The other choreographers on the program — Marianne Bell, Kelly Ferris Lester and Amanda Martinson — explore the emotions of “blue” through a variety of music and dance styles.
Project: Motion’s “eMPHasis on Blue”
The show continues 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Evergreen Theatre, 1705 Poplar. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors. Call 214-LEAP.
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Comments » 1
planx.constant#385099 writes:
This show was wonderful, especially the last piece. It was moving and funny.
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