“American Moderns” is finally here. The name of the program refers to choreographers that challenge expectations and broaden the definition of what dance can be. It is Joffrey Ballet, however, that is truly the master. Nowhere will you find such grace, athleticism and all around badassery as you will on the stage of the Auditorium Theatre right now. From beginning to end it is one delicious dance after the next. Paul Taylor’s “Cloven Kingdom” fits elegantly a company in top physical condition. I can’t imagine it fitting anyone better than Joffrey. The three dancers in Mehmet Sander’s “Inner Space” wiggle around inside a Plexiglas box in a way that defies logic. It is funny and fantastically absurd. The company premiere of Lar Lubovich’s “…smile with my hear” is a fresh tribute to Broadway composer Richard Rodgers and a light palette cleanser before the next of the evenings premieres. Twyla Tharp’s quirky choreographic feast “Waterbaby Bagatelles” is a definitively Tharp showpiece for the entire company. As schools of fish under the florescent lighting of a tank, the stars of these dancers glisten. Complex and joyous, this dance should join Joffrey’s permanent repertoire. There are four more performances of “American Moderns” left. I wish I could see it four more times. (William Scott)
At the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, (312)902-1500. This production is now closed.
Complementary Opposites: A Preview of "Serenade" and "Of Mice and Men" by the Joffrey Ballet “Both [ballets] are trying to deal with a particular time: One by healing with the beauty of dance, the other by trying to create empathy for beaten-down humanity. Right now, we’re facing some of the same issues, such as huge migrations from the workplace. Steinbeck shone a light on his time, and I hope we’re able to do the same.”
