reviewvancouver:Joshua Beamish, MoveTheCompany

Bold, innovative and compassionate choreography was on display on opening night of Joshua Beamish’s 20th Anniversary Gala at the Vancouver Playhouse. On display, too, were humour and strength. The dancers exuded strength in their command of the intricate and often fast paced choreography. Their physical strength and professionalism is undeniable when one looks at the roster of talent the 20th Anniversary Gala brings to the stage.

Frances Chung, Principal San Francisco Ballet; Harrison James, Principal National Ballet of Canada and San Francisco Ballet; Kirsten Wicklund, Artistic Director, Ballet Edmonton; Stephanie Petersen, American Ballet Theatre (former); Kyra Soo, Royal Winnipeg Ballet; Paula Cobo Botello & Diego Ramalho, Ballet Edmonton, Amber Barton, Ariana Barr, Juan Duarte, Julian Hunt, Jordan Lang, Justin Rapaport and Calder White are the dancers who brought a selection of Beamish’s body of work to life on stage. Many of these dancers are familiar to Vancouver audiences. Beamish added a special dimension to the evening by bringing them together for the Vancouver audience to enjoy.

The program encompasses 5 works that showcase the range of talent Beamish has developed over his twenty year career. There is humour in the playful Lollapalooza danced by Harrison James and Frances Chung who trained at the Goh Ballet. Painted with orangey red costumes and backdrop the dancers moved through a series of steps that brought to mind ice dancing and the athleticism it also requires. Music by John Adams.

The first piece of the program, Trap Door Party featured squares of white light that the dancers moved within. Amber Barton, who originally danced in the piece in 2010 was joined by Ariana Barr, former Ballet BC dancers Juan Duarte, Justin Rapaport, Kirsten Wicklund, and Calder White.

Marcato is a piece danced by 5 male dancers that delves into the shifting dynamics of human relations. Fast paced and emotionally revealing it holds attention as the dancers interact with each other telling a story on rejection and inclusion.

STAY, a very sensuous, enveloping duet is danced against a backdrop of soft piano music. It is a very moving emotional dance that seems to speak of relationships that no longer are viable but the partners still feel tender toward each other. STAY highlights Beamish’s diversity in his exploration of the human experience through his work.

The final piece of the program is Endless Summer. A delightful, upbeat romp through the joys of summer. Set to music by the Beach Boys, the piece brings memories of long, hot, youthful summers. A perfect piece to end the program with. In My Room, The Warmth of the Sun, Girls on the Beach and Don’t Worry Baby are songs featured in Endless Summer one of Beamish’s new works. Wouldn’t It Be Nice, a duet danced by male dancers puts a new interpretation to the classic lyrics in this song and further highlights Beamish’s exploration into the art of dance through his choreography. A truly memorable program and evening.