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An afternoon of movement and memorable images: Annabella Gonzalez Dance Theater
Today, I had the unique experience of attending a performance
by the Annabella Gonzalez Dance Theater at the Manhattan Movement Center.
Seven dancers depicted movement and
created memorable images to the choreography of Gonzalez and guest choreographer, Maxine Steinmen. Two of the composers were in the audience, who certainly appreciated the dancers’ efforts.
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"Chrome Waters 2" with Lucia Campoy and Jorge Fuentes.
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Particularly memorable was the dance “Chrome Waters 2” in which a chrome frame intended to suggest a bathtub, was used by the dancers in a lilting pas de deux. Two dancers clad in flesh-colored leotards stepped in and out of the “bath,” and then came together in a memorable pas de deux. Lucia Campoy was particularly compelling, with a quietness to her movements and a quality and stage presence that never failed to delight. The rather erotic moments of the dance were transformed into those of a purer nature thanks to Ms. Campoy, who mastery of stillness made even the most unusual poses and lifts interesting to watch. Her partner, Jorge Fuentes supported her ably and helped to create a harmony of movement that made this piece that standout of the entire program. |
| Liebes Tanz was a playful piece for two couples set to German songs that added immeasurably to the number. Ms. Campoy had several interesting lifts, and was complimented by Marcos Emmanuel de Jesus, Heather Panikkar, and Eric Vlach by their swirling movements. |
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"Encuentros" (Encounters) with Eric Vlach, Marcos de Jesus and Jorge Fuentes.
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Other highlights included a solo for Ms. Gonzalez, in which she suggested the metaphor of being trapped by one’s demons, or perhaps by external demons, and the desire to leave them behind. The unusual costume consisted of a sort of huge red bag that initially concealed Ms. Gonzalez, but then turned into a kind of skirt around her hips as she rose from the floor. With her movements across the floor, she suggested the burdens of life and the possibility of breaking through barriers. |
| The last number was another playful one, this time between all of the dancers, to vivacious music that left one feeling uplifted by the end of the performance. |
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"Exit" with Annabella Gonzalez.
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"The Passage" (l. to r.): Marcos de Jesus, Heather Panikkar, Jorge Fuentes, Lucia Campoy & Eric Vlach.
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"Cantaré (I will sing) with Marcos de Jesus.
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"Blue Ink". Choreography by Maxine Steinman. Dancers Heather Panikkar and Zalman Raffael.
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Photos by Richard Grimm
copyright©NadineLavi2010 for Forum Artistico
Nadine's past blogs:
Nadine Lavi’s Dance Notes: The gift of a great teacher – Fabrice Herrault
Nadine Lavi's Dance Notes: "Morphoses at Central Park’s Summerstage 2009 in NY"
Nadine Lavi's Dance Notes "The Latin Choreographers Festival 2009: An Evening of Dance and Theater"
Nadine Lavi's Dance Notes "Beatriz Stix-Brunell: First-class dancing from a young dancer on the rise
Nadine Lavi's Dance Notes "Highlights of ABT's Spring Season"
Nadine Lavi's Dance Notes "In Appreciation: Fabrice Herrault: Ballet Master Extraordinaire"
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Great Show!
Congratulations to all the Dancers and the choreographer Annabella Gonzalez!
Thank you Nadine!!