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[nicoal]

Program II of the season opened at Bailey Concert Hall in Davie Saturday night.  It is not appearing in Miami's Gusman Center for the Performing Arts until January.

I started attending performances of this company as someone I have taken classes with for a few years joined for this season, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of dancing and content of the programs.

I am continually amazed by Hiroko Sakakibara, she has lovely arms and articulation of her head.  She sparkles in Miniatures, fitting the small doll figure perfectly.  She transitioned between wind-up doll and flowing port de bras seamlessly.  In Partita, she demonstrated her smooth ballon, grand jetes sailed through the air without any hint of a jerk.  

Isanusi Garcia had smaller roles this time, he shone in the first program.  An extremely strong, expressive dancer.  He always seemes to float just a moment longer than anyone else.  

Paul Thrussell appeared with Britt Juleen in Tango Tonto, with a clean technique and parterned the quite tall Ms. Juleen impressively.  

I have enjoyed the choreography and very importantly the selection of music.   The use of Vivaldi and Handel in Partita was a welcome surprise, it worked very well with movement.  Many performances I've seen, I feel disconnected when the music is off.  I've found Miami City's music to often be too loud and or not something I enjoy content-wise.  I have found all of the pieces extremely accessible and a pleasure to listen to with the dance.  All three pieces of this program were Jimmy Gamonet De Los Heros' choreography.

A large portion of the quantity of the company seems to rotate in principal/soloist roles and I am amazed at the high quality of technique and expression that runs across the board with these dancers.  I would love to hear what others thought of the performance, I am terrible at remembering names/faces, many stood out though.  

I look forward to getting to know the rest of the dancers in this season.