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BI & DK X-mas
Dance
Ballet Internationale (Dec. 19-22) and Dance Kaleidoscope (Dec. 19-21) each carried us into a world view of the human condition, inciting all the senses, exposing emotions and proving the power of story to merge magic and memory into meaning. Eldar Aliev’s reinterpretation of The Nutcracker brings us to the core of Clara’s emerging social awareness. Bookmarked by the creative process, Edward Moffat, as ETA Hoffman/Herr Drosselmeyer, “sees” the story as it is being written, drawing us into the unfolding action from the romping street scene in the “real” world to the rousing Grand Pas de Deux of the dream. It’s a crisp re-telling, danced with equal sharpness by the regular company and a corps of 80 children from BI’s Clara R. Noyes Academy and other Central Indiana dance schools. DK’s Home for the Holidays is also a journey into cultural consciousness and across continents. With two new works, David Hochoy continues his fascination with movement inspired by rhythms of diversity and his devotion to mining the core values of individuals and communities. DK dancers thrive on the challenge and, like BI’s troupe, are thrilling to experience as they work with individual strengths toward group virtuosity. Throughout, costuming, lighting, set design are superb. The Nutcracker’s first act sets the stage for Clara’s fantastic dream. Aliev introduces life-size dolls to show Rathilda jealously turning the prince into a nutcracker. Clara’s commitment to undo this treachery empowers her to make it happen. Act 2 is the awakening of the Kingdom of the Sweets and reuniting of the Nutcracker Prince with the Sugar Plum Fairy. At the Dec. 20 performance, Ogulcan Borova and Karen Scalzitti-Kennedy provided the epitome of partnering. Their joy, physically and emotionally, took flight. Equal excellence marked DK’s sensitive re-telling of Spain’s “Nadal de Luintra.” Jessica Howard and Kenoth Shane Patton emanated luminosity as Mary and Joseph in their love for each other, and for their child. This standout segment from Hochoy’s eight-part World Christmas Kaleidoscope brings deeper meaning to “virgin birth.” It exemplified a pure, undefiled, unsullied relationship, perhaps as divine as original creation. With “Let There Be Light,” Hochoy explores faith, and dedication to the principle of freedom of worship. Like Aliev’s Nutcracker, it is on its way to being a classic. Space prohibits giving everyone due credit. Don’t miss either company next year.
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Sep 5, 2008
Harrison Center Art Gallery
Sept. 5 artists' reception and open studio night. New work by Lori Miles and Craig McCormick. Through Sept. 27. Gallery No. 2 will feature "Stop, Watch," a...
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