Nothing cements the company’s unique style more then what was on display before the start of their recent State Theatre nearly-sold out concert.
Upon entering the auditorium, the audience found the proscenium curtain open and the dancers warming up. It was a preparation not usually seen. No barre work, stretching, or practicing of couple-lifts here. Instead, the performers were doing jumping jacks, handstands, tossing each other around, running in undisciplined patterns, doing frog leaps, executing cartwheels, and doing pushups. Just before curtain went up, they formed a football huddle, arms entwined behind each other’s backs, swayed, talked, laughed, broke the togetherness, and wandered off stage. They were ready! So was the keyed up audience.
The program featured five numbers, each of which varied in technique and effect. Incorporating gymnastics, power strength movements, balancing on circular mini-platforms, combining sensual actions with whimsy and whirlwind with exquisite calm, the dancers created compelling art.
PILOBOLUS’s dances aren’t meant to convey a clear message. They are often abstract visions of actions which allow for personal interpretation. Yet, they prresent well-disciplined and choreographed displays.
The choreographers avoid gender roles. Males and females share the heavy lifting and often are dressed in the same costumes. The company’s performances integrate graphics, films, impressive lighting and special effects.
Whether doing dance versions of the famous Tim Conway old man from his days on the Carol Burnett Variety Show, or taking on such serious topics as young love and it’s issues, they seamlessly weave together attention-sustaining actions.
As part of the program, the company challenged the audience to name their newest piece, presently entitled, UNTITLED 2015. After viewing the door-slamming, body endangering number, my suggestion is ANGST!
There is no way to clearly recreate PILOBOLUS in words. This is performance that must be seen.
Capsule judgement: It can only be wished that Pam Young and her Dance Cleveland staff do not wait too long before they bring PILOBOLUS back to the area, so that those who missed their recent performance get a chance to experience the creativity and joy the company shared.
Side note: Cudos to Donald Rosenberg for an excellent “Dance Matters” column in the program, which gave a wonderful preview of what was to be experienced by the audience.
Next up for Dance Cleveland, on, is, COMPAGNIE KÄFIG on March 7, 2015, 8 PM, Ohio Theatre, which combines Brazilian acrobatics and hip-hop dance.
DANCE OFFERINGS IN THE CLEVELAND AREA
The Cleveland area has some strong dance companies. How about going to local offerings? They need your support. Some upcoming performances include:
Ohio Dance Theatre
6:00 pm Friday, February 13, 39 South Main Street, Oberlin
“Blood Stripe”—world premiere of a ballet inspired by a personal witnessing of the challenges of choreographer Denise Gula and her family as they struggled with the long term effects of PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
Tickets: 440-774-6077
Groundworks
March 20 & 21, 2015, 7:30 PM
Breen Center, 2008 W. 30th Street, Cleveland
The Cleveland premier of two new works, one choreographed by Robert Moses and the other a collaboration with Aeolus Quartet.
Tickets: http://groundworksdancetheater.ticketleap.com/groundworks-spring-series-at-breen-center/
Inlet Dance
April 23-25, 2015--CPT Danceworks '15
Tickets: http://www.cptonline.org/box-office/
Verb Ballets
“Ballet Uncorked”—guest appearance with Ohio Dance Theatre
6:00 pm Friday, February 13, 39 South Main Street, Oberlin
Tickets: 440-774-6077
February 21, 2015 at 8:00pm Breen Center, 2008 W. 30th St., Cleveland
February 28, 2015 at 8:00pm Olmsted Falls Performing Arts Center, 6941 Columbia Rd.. Olmsted Falls Tickets: olmstedperformingarts.com
March 21, 2015 NEOSonicFest, Baldwin Wallace, 96 Front St., Berea Tickets: neosonicfest.org
April 16-18, 2015 at 7:00pm Cleveland Public Theatre DanceWorks’15. 6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland Tickets: cptonline.org or 216.631.2727 ext. 501
