by Eric Andrews-Katz - SGN A&E Writer

'DIRECTOR'S CHOICE'
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET
MCCAW HALL
Through March 23

When Pacific Northwest Ballet announces a 'Director's Choice,' it is usually associated with a certain amount of anticipation. What this means is literally that the director of the ballet gets to choose the specific shorter pieces that can be put together for an evening of beautiful dance. This is what Peter Boal (Artistic Director) and Kent Stowell and Francia Russell (Founding Artistic Directors) have put together currently at the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall.

The first selection is titled 'Take Five...More or Less' and was choreographed by the legendary Broadway choreographer (and five time Tony Award winner) Susan Stroman. Starting from the idea that even on a break, dancers are still moving their bodies and practicing their arts, this short piece is fun to watch. Using the musical jazz styles of Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, these artists show us that even in sleep, The Dance becomes integrated into every aspect of a dancer's life. 'Take Five...More or Less' made its debut in 2008.

'Kiss' is a different kind of ballet. It's an aerial ballet with two dancers in harnesses. Starting with a tight embrace, before having a current of air separate them, the two dancers fly out across the stage, but always come back to each other's arms and kiss. Through the dance these two show us the joys and conflicts of being caught in the throws of a passionate kiss. Watching these two dancers (Carla Körbes and James Moore) is like watching two butterflies intermingling and fluttering about one another to a beautiful rhythm. Choreographed by Susan Marshall and staged by Kristen Hollinsworth and Luke Miller, this aerial performance is breathtaking.

'State of Darkness' is an intense solo performance. Conceived by Molissa Fenley to the music of Stravinksky's 'The Rite of Spring,' the ballet started off as a warm-up exercise. 'I found myself,' Fenley recalls, 'adding things to the warm-up - deep shuddering in my torso and abdominals.... Soon enough, I realized I was choreographing to the work.' 'State of Darkness' shows a glimpse into the psyche of the dancer, showing us the rigorous routines of warming up the body as well as the fears that run through the mind of any dancer.

The final piece of the collection is 'Memory Glow,' making its world premier at PNB. Featuring Andrew Bartee & Leah Merchant, this ballet adds a touch of modern dance to the performance. The main dancers show how two bodies can entwine (without touching) with one another, complimenting and carrying the other with grace and beauty. Set to a brisk pace with a score of violins, choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo presents an intermingling of body and dance.

The evening of Director's Choice is an evening of majestic beauty. A short pause separates the first two performances from each other, while a 15-minute intermission divides the final pieces. Each of the vignettes are individualistic unto themselves (not too long for the younger members of the audience) and the entire evening ran less than three hours with intermissions. Pacific Northwest Ballet once again delivers wonderful performances to the scores of great music, while continuing to celebrate the beauty of The Dance.

 Share on Facebook

Share on MySpace!

    Share on Delicious

Share on StumbleUpon!