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Ballet
BC
Songs
of a Wayfarer + other works
Dates and
Venue 18 - 20 November 2010, 8pm | Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Reviewer
Michael Pink
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After
a challenging couple of years for Ballet BC, the company came back to
triumph in its full season opener Thursday night before a full house
at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. Under the sure and creative
hand of artistic director Emily Molnar, BBC presented an evening of
dynamic and fresh dance that drew upon the collective talents of the
AD herself, Emily Molnar, Kevin O'Day and Jose Navas.
The first piece, Songs of a Wayfarer, featured
the music of the always enchanting Gustav Mahler and the bouyant choreography
of Molnar.
This is a work that draws upon the themes of nature, love and the constantly
interesting topic of human nature.
Standouts in the work included Makaila Wallace who moves with poise
and delicacy and the rising new BBC ballet star, Gilbert Small, who
is energetic and forceful.
An evocative set design was crafted by Scott Reid.
The second work of the evening, Face to Face, was choreographed by Kevin
O'Day
and guided by the music of Kevin King.
This is a more exciting piece that involved excellent coordination and
symmetry between the dancers: Maggie Forgeron, Alexis Fletccher, Donald
Sales, Gilbet Small and Peter Smida all of whom moved with vibrant energy.
The only drawback to the work was the at times heavy handed and loud
music score which seemed to over- shadow the dance and dancers.
The final piece was: The bliss that from their limbs all movement
takes.
The work was a world premier by talented Venezuelan choreographer Jose
Navas and featured the music of Philipp Glass and the illustrious Ravi
Shankar.
The work involved participation from the entire BBC ensemble who displayed
excellent technique and fluid, graceful motion.
Navas has noted that collaboration is an important aspect of his creative
process and this point also symbolizes a new BBC that appears inventive
and open to new artistic expression with the best of the ballet world.
©
2010 Michael Pink
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