Dance Fever
San Francisco, CA 94123
+1 415 567 6642
http://www.smuinballet.org/
Review © 2009, Wcities
Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
|
Dance Fever |
3301 Lyon Street San Francisco, CA 94123 +1 415 567 6642 http://www.smuinballet.org/ |
Michael Smuin (1938-2007), founder of the Smuin Ballet, passed away earlier this year but his spirit lives on in his ballets and through his company. The Smuin Ballet breezes into town at the Palace of Fine Arts with their Fall/Winter Program. The program is a two and a half hour spectacle of emotion, movement and color. Amy Seiwert, a dancer in the company, debuts her Objects of Curiosity - an enchanting exploration of bodies and their movements. Seiwert's piece studies the human body by accentuating and dismembering its movements. Performed mostly in pairs, bodies are contorted and reassembled unabashedly for their audience. Duettino, the first number by Michael Smuin is minimalist and classical. It focuses on the physical aspect of dancing, in other words, attention is paid to the dancer's body and movement. Visually stunning, it is a harmonious follow up to the program's starter. Stabat Mater, the program's pinnacle, is a dramatic response to September 11th. In Latin the lyrics of Stabat Mater refer to Mary's sorrow and anguish as she watches the death of her son, Jesus - emotions reflected in the color of costumes and scenery. Smuin's passing provides another (mournful) layer to this heart-clenching performance. Vanessa Thiessen and Aaron Thayer excel as the female and male leads who battle between life and death. Renin' in the Hurricane, choreographed by Kirk Peterson, is a series of performances set to the music of Gene Autry, Cole Porter, David Byrne, Randy Travis, and k.d. Lang. Renin', loosely connected by a western theme, excels in capturing each song's mood and in storytelling. While campy, in this final act dancers become individuals engrossed with personality. This vivacity makes each performance light hearted and enjoyable, a sharp turn from Stabat Mater. The program overall is well rounded. Lighthearted numbers, which surround Stabat Mater, keep the program balanced, manageable and enjoyable. Bravo, Smuin Ballet. -- Marissa Mejia Performances: Through October 14th Tickets $15-$47 Review © 2009, Wcities |
Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.