IN November, the Company Dance Theatre will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
On Friday, its dancers gave a sneak peek of things to come with a performance at the Bank of Jamaica’s auditorium in downtown Kingston.Under the intense gaze of artistic director, Tony Wilson, The Company presented seven works, five of which will be featured during the upcoming season.The multi-layered Colours and the athletic duet Consensus, both choreographed by Wilson, and Michael Holgate’s vibrant Creole Blooming, were standouts.As its name suggests, Colours was just that, from the vivid costumes to Wilson’s characteristic movement. The piece’s fluid lines embodied the techniques of legendary dancers Martha Graham and Lester Horton, from whom Wilson draws his own style.As its name suggests, Colours was just that, from the vivid costumes to Wilson’s characteristic movement. The piece’s fluid lines embodied the techniques of legendary dancers Martha Graham and Lester Horton, from whom Wilson draws his own style.Due to the size of the auditorium’s stage, the dancers were forced to utilise the front of the platform depending on the breadth and depth of the performance. This was particularly effective in Colours and the finale, Creole Blooming, as it brought the dance to the audience in an almost interactive manner.Consensus, performed by Lia Chin Yee and Steven Cornwall was a treat — a smooth, well-rehearsed piece. Both dancers were adept at handling the physicality without losing creativity.Wilson knows exactly how to put a show together and for Friday’s performance, chose the light and lively Creole Blooming as the finale. Set to African music which had elements of highlife — a genre of music which originated in Ghana at the turn of the 20th century. This work is a departure from the classical ballet, Afro-American themes and jazz-inspired works which dot The Company’s repertoire.If there was one piece which did not measure up, it was Arabesque.Featuring four couples, this jazzy Latin piece lacked the passion for which that genre is known.Wilson and his dancers have roughly three months to prepare for their landmark season which will run from November 22-24 at the Little Theatre in St Andrew. From the excerpts presented Friday, the season should be quite interesting.(Photos: Karl McLarty)Lia Chin Yee and Steven Cornwall in Consensus.A dramatic pose at the end of Arabesque.Dancer and choreographer Renee McDonald in her solo Still Born. (PHOTOS: KARL MCLARTY)View the original article here
Keeping good Company
