glassyeyed

Well, Canbelto and I had vastly different theater experiences while watching this program, but I suppose that is part of the beauty of live theater, dance, and art, in general. The performance speaks to everyone differently, and as an audience member we each bring our own filters, perceptions, knowledge and biases into our "viewing" role with us. My sister (a professional costume designer), for example, saw and LOVED the Dawson piece and raved about how the black and white costumes changed the audience perceptions of the dancers' bodies. Like any other artist, I suppose Ms. Pite and Mr. Dawson will have to endure the passage of time to see if their body of work transcends the slings and arrows of our current and inevitably limited human vision to become something great that future audiences treasure. Art history is full of examples of the need for the lesson in patience and courage to keep practicing art regardless of criticism, even while the artist must listen to and consider it in order to change and grow in their art.

I saw the Saturday matinee performance (but was late, so missed the Dawson piece). I enjoyed Concerto, but I felt as if the piece was too big and sprawling for the stage they were on, so the impact may have been less than desired. I thoroughly enjoyed the second movement of Concerto, when I wasn't worried about anyone stepping on anyone else 😉 and could just enjoy the music and movement (which, for me, "matched" the theme of the whole production - that of music and choreography impacting emotions in a theatrical way). I LOVED Crystal Pite's piece, Angels' Atlas. I found the choreography incredible and emotional with the body of dancers appearing to become a living, breathing organism. In an odd way, this choreography reminded me a bit of Balanchine's Serenade piece in that I agree with Vipa (above) that I've never seen any of her choreography before, but I am a fan now, and will seek out more of her work. Just an incredible experience for me as a theater goer. I'd never been to the New York City Center before, but it is quite intimate and I enjoyed seeing these theatrical and emotional ballet pieces up close and personal. In my opinion, I thought the company represented itself quite well with clean and precise work that was artfully and loving done.