I first heard about Richard Move a year or two ago in a dance history course while studying the history of Modern dance in America. Move impersonates the famous Martha Graham from time to time, and in the video I saw of him, he was working with famous post-modern dancer and choreographer Yvonne Rainer. This video may not make sense to someone that isn't familiar with the differences between Graham and Rainer, but anyone studying modern and post-modern dance is sure to get a huge thrill from this video.
Move does not just impersonate Graham for a career, however. In addition to being insanely humorous, he is also a film maker. His latest film is entitled BloodWork - The Ana Mendieta Story. The film tells the sensational story of Mendieta, who died after falling naked out of her apartment window, thirty four flights up. She was an artist prior to her death, and the story certainly sounds scandalous and worth a view.
To see the film, you will have to head to libraries and museums rather than your local theater. The film will be at NYU's Fales Library from August 1 to October 8. It will also be shown at MoMA's PS1 extension in Long Island City from May 7 to October 18. Whether or not you're interested in this particular film, PS1 is supposed to be extremely experimental and interesting - it's only $5 for students to get in, and is accessible via subway. I'm not sure I'll make it to this movie - it's not entirely my cup of tea - but anything by Move is sure to be interesting at the very least, so maybe I'll end up seeing it. If not, if anyone does see it: let me know how it is!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
New York City Ballet: Architecture of Dance
Ballet has the stigma of being old, dry, and unexciting - I remember my family griping about "serious ballets" before coming to one of my numerous dance recitals growing up, and even now it's often tough to get a non-dancer to come with me to see a ballet performance. This stigma is extremely unfortunate, however, because the work being done in the ballet world right now is extraordinary and anything but old.
New York City Ballet is one of the major ballet companies based in NYC, and was created by the ballet master George Balanchine. The company performs his legendary works with great frequency (one of his works will most often close a show), but the company is anything but a stale shrine to this artistic genius. While they keep alive the spirit and original choreography of Balanchine, the current Ballet Master and Artistic Director (Peter Martins) has also kept the company fresh and exciting.
This current season, showing at the David H. Koch theater in Lincoln Center from May 2 to June 27, is titled Architecture of Dance. In addition to showing the standard Balanchine works and a mix of old choreography created for the company, seven new ballets have been commissioned. The choreographers worked with an architect, the Spanish-born Santiago Calatrava to create the scenery for the stage. It is rare to have such collaboration with other artists for a ballet performance, and this type of interaction between artists shows just how innovative NYCB is attempting to be.
In the performance I saw last night, I saw an older work by Christopher Wheeldon, a premiere by Mauro Bigonzetti, and a Balanchine piece set to music by George Gershwin.
Wheeldon's piece, "After the Rain," was a ballet in two short acts. The second act in particular, featuring Wendy Whelan and Craig Hall, was breathtaking. Whelan was ethereal and beautiful, and Hall, who I had never seen before, was simultaneously strong and elegant. Using simple costumes and background scenery, this piece was an excellent example of Wheeldon's contemporary style.
The Architecture of Dance piece in last night's bill (Bigonzetti's "Luce Nascosta") was not quite what I anticipated. I had expected a more overt use of architecture, but this piece instead used a simple moving decoration overhead and an innovative use of lighting (square spotlights, gobo designs flooding the stage, and so on). Architecture aside, this piece was phenomenal. The costumes were dark but worked well with the mood, and the movement was individualized and unique. The repetition of certain themes pulled the piece together well, and it was so powerful that at times I was even close to tears! It is very much in the realm of contemporary ballet, and I highly suggest catching this piece before the season ends.
The last piece was a standard Balanchine fare, "Who Cares?" It was well done, especially showing off the talents of now-famous Tiler Peck and a rhythmically stellar Robert Fairchild. It is from Balanchine's more Broadway-influenced period, but full of legitimate choreography and funny narratives to keep you entertained.
I plan on going again soon to see at least one more of the newly commissioned ballets - I'm particularly looking forward to the pieces by Peter Martins, Christopher Wheeldon, and Alexei Ratmansky. Lucky for me, this is financially possible - normal ballet tickets cost big bucks, but students can rush the show for a mere $12!
To get these cheap tickets, go to the box office in the David H. Koch theater an hour before curtain with your valid student ID. You can pay with cash or credit card, and then enjoy the West Side or simply sit by the fountain until the curtain goes up. Be sure to get there at least ten minutes prior to curtain in order to get seated, and consider bringing opera glasses if you get seated too far up. Last night I got to sit in the Second Ring and didn't have a bad view, but seat availability for rush tickets changes from night to night. And a word to the wise - the gelato in Lincoln Center is the perfect refreshment right before entering the theater, just make sure you finish it before walking in!
New York City Ballet is one of the major ballet companies based in NYC, and was created by the ballet master George Balanchine. The company performs his legendary works with great frequency (one of his works will most often close a show), but the company is anything but a stale shrine to this artistic genius. While they keep alive the spirit and original choreography of Balanchine, the current Ballet Master and Artistic Director (Peter Martins) has also kept the company fresh and exciting.
This current season, showing at the David H. Koch theater in Lincoln Center from May 2 to June 27, is titled Architecture of Dance. In addition to showing the standard Balanchine works and a mix of old choreography created for the company, seven new ballets have been commissioned. The choreographers worked with an architect, the Spanish-born Santiago Calatrava to create the scenery for the stage. It is rare to have such collaboration with other artists for a ballet performance, and this type of interaction between artists shows just how innovative NYCB is attempting to be.
In the performance I saw last night, I saw an older work by Christopher Wheeldon, a premiere by Mauro Bigonzetti, and a Balanchine piece set to music by George Gershwin.
Wheeldon's piece, "After the Rain," was a ballet in two short acts. The second act in particular, featuring Wendy Whelan and Craig Hall, was breathtaking. Whelan was ethereal and beautiful, and Hall, who I had never seen before, was simultaneously strong and elegant. Using simple costumes and background scenery, this piece was an excellent example of Wheeldon's contemporary style.
The Architecture of Dance piece in last night's bill (Bigonzetti's "Luce Nascosta") was not quite what I anticipated. I had expected a more overt use of architecture, but this piece instead used a simple moving decoration overhead and an innovative use of lighting (square spotlights, gobo designs flooding the stage, and so on). Architecture aside, this piece was phenomenal. The costumes were dark but worked well with the mood, and the movement was individualized and unique. The repetition of certain themes pulled the piece together well, and it was so powerful that at times I was even close to tears! It is very much in the realm of contemporary ballet, and I highly suggest catching this piece before the season ends.
The last piece was a standard Balanchine fare, "Who Cares?" It was well done, especially showing off the talents of now-famous Tiler Peck and a rhythmically stellar Robert Fairchild. It is from Balanchine's more Broadway-influenced period, but full of legitimate choreography and funny narratives to keep you entertained.
I plan on going again soon to see at least one more of the newly commissioned ballets - I'm particularly looking forward to the pieces by Peter Martins, Christopher Wheeldon, and Alexei Ratmansky. Lucky for me, this is financially possible - normal ballet tickets cost big bucks, but students can rush the show for a mere $12!
To get these cheap tickets, go to the box office in the David H. Koch theater an hour before curtain with your valid student ID. You can pay with cash or credit card, and then enjoy the West Side or simply sit by the fountain until the curtain goes up. Be sure to get there at least ten minutes prior to curtain in order to get seated, and consider bringing opera glasses if you get seated too far up. Last night I got to sit in the Second Ring and didn't have a bad view, but seat availability for rush tickets changes from night to night. And a word to the wise - the gelato in Lincoln Center is the perfect refreshment right before entering the theater, just make sure you finish it before walking in!
Friday, June 11, 2010
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
My favorite library in NYC is the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, no contest. I was there today picking up an obscure dance book for some summer reading (fun, right?), and was reminded of just how great this place is. Not only does it have the most extensive library of dance books, periodicals, photos, and videos, but it also celebrates the arts in an important way. This library is not your standard collection of resources - it contains information on all types of performance art, and also has installations and events to celebrate the artists found within the vast collections of books and other resources in this library.
When you enter from the Lincoln Center Plaza entrance (which is almost completely done with construction, and looks GORGEOUS, by the way), straight ahead you will see a room that is home to changing displays. I have seen a display of Cunningham costumes, a musical celebration, and many other exhibits here. Currently, it is under construction, but it's always worth poking a head in to see what is being showcased - you might learn something, and there will certainly be something to look at or listen to.
If you enter from the Amsterdam Avenue entrance across from La Guardia High School, you'll walk in and see another small exhibition center to your right and a theater to your left. Two years ago, one of my teachers curated an event on the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In the room to the right we got to see video of past performances, examples of costumes and documents, and posters of the dancers both past and present. As part of this exhibit, I also attended a panel discussion in the auditorium across the hall and got to listen to Arthur Mitchell, one of the creators of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, talk about his experience in the dance world. Obviously, the exhibit has since changed - they change every couple of weeks, and the latest exhibits can be found here.
As if these exhibits weren't enough, there are also performances constantly happening at this library. Weekly concerts, movie showings, and speakers are all common events. And in addition to these being educational and truly well-done events - they're FREE!! I've always loved libraries, but one complete with performances and exhibits really takes the cake.
So head over to the Performance Arts library, located at 40 Lincoln Plaza (65th Street, by Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues) and check out the exhibits, performances, and books. And if there's no upcoming events that pique your interest? Consider going into the research archives and watching a historic performance. I've spent entire days there watching their footage of William Forsythe's choreography - it's not the same as seeing it live, but at least it's free and accessible!
When you enter from the Lincoln Center Plaza entrance (which is almost completely done with construction, and looks GORGEOUS, by the way), straight ahead you will see a room that is home to changing displays. I have seen a display of Cunningham costumes, a musical celebration, and many other exhibits here. Currently, it is under construction, but it's always worth poking a head in to see what is being showcased - you might learn something, and there will certainly be something to look at or listen to.
If you enter from the Amsterdam Avenue entrance across from La Guardia High School, you'll walk in and see another small exhibition center to your right and a theater to your left. Two years ago, one of my teachers curated an event on the Dance Theatre of Harlem. In the room to the right we got to see video of past performances, examples of costumes and documents, and posters of the dancers both past and present. As part of this exhibit, I also attended a panel discussion in the auditorium across the hall and got to listen to Arthur Mitchell, one of the creators of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, talk about his experience in the dance world. Obviously, the exhibit has since changed - they change every couple of weeks, and the latest exhibits can be found here.
As if these exhibits weren't enough, there are also performances constantly happening at this library. Weekly concerts, movie showings, and speakers are all common events. And in addition to these being educational and truly well-done events - they're FREE!! I've always loved libraries, but one complete with performances and exhibits really takes the cake.
So head over to the Performance Arts library, located at 40 Lincoln Plaza (65th Street, by Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues) and check out the exhibits, performances, and books. And if there's no upcoming events that pique your interest? Consider going into the research archives and watching a historic performance. I've spent entire days there watching their footage of William Forsythe's choreography - it's not the same as seeing it live, but at least it's free and accessible!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Battery Park
In an attempt to finance my admission to real performances, for the past year I have been working at the Statue of Liberty (yes, it's both cool and terrible at the same time). While I'm still waiting on my paycheck so I can see a real performance and write about that, I do have some exciting free things for you to check out.
In order to get to Liberty Island, I have to board the ferry in Battery Park. I can't attest to what goes on all day long in the park, since I refuse to go there on my off days, but I can tell you that after 5 or 6 p.m. (when we get off the last boat from the island), there's always something going on. On any given day that doesn't involve storms, there are people waiting to sell you handbags, draw you a picture, or pass out Obama condoms. Additionally, there are usually some musicians playing tin drums, big guys holding snakes that you can take pictures with (although this makes me scream and run away - no big deal), and the occasional breakdancing show.
Particularly over the summer, there's always a crowd in Battery Park. My favorite part of these festivities is certainly the breakdancing - although the shows don't often last long and they aren't the best shows I've ever seen, it's worth stopping and clapping for a few minutes. Usually when I get off the boat (by Castle Clinton in the park, which is closer to the 6 train rather than the South Ferry subway station) there is a group in red performing. They bust out flips, yell until you clap, and although sometimes disorganized are at least good for a laugh.
This place isn't so exciting over the winter (although once it's snowy and there are no performers left you are free to make epic snowmen) - but in the summer, there's a lot going on. In addition to these informal street performers, Battery Park also holds some concerts and other events. This Saturday there was a science exhibit, and last summer there was a Rilo Kiley concert (that I had to miss!), among others. I've even seen the Paul Taylor II company perform for free on a makeshift stage in the park.
If you don't want to chance it and head down to the park to enjoy some rays and the random entertainment, you can find schedules for the larger events on the Battery Conservancy website. Different organizations use the space, and a wide variety of things go on there. The best part? It's free!!
In order to get to Liberty Island, I have to board the ferry in Battery Park. I can't attest to what goes on all day long in the park, since I refuse to go there on my off days, but I can tell you that after 5 or 6 p.m. (when we get off the last boat from the island), there's always something going on. On any given day that doesn't involve storms, there are people waiting to sell you handbags, draw you a picture, or pass out Obama condoms. Additionally, there are usually some musicians playing tin drums, big guys holding snakes that you can take pictures with (although this makes me scream and run away - no big deal), and the occasional breakdancing show.
Particularly over the summer, there's always a crowd in Battery Park. My favorite part of these festivities is certainly the breakdancing - although the shows don't often last long and they aren't the best shows I've ever seen, it's worth stopping and clapping for a few minutes. Usually when I get off the boat (by Castle Clinton in the park, which is closer to the 6 train rather than the South Ferry subway station) there is a group in red performing. They bust out flips, yell until you clap, and although sometimes disorganized are at least good for a laugh.
This place isn't so exciting over the winter (although once it's snowy and there are no performers left you are free to make epic snowmen) - but in the summer, there's a lot going on. In addition to these informal street performers, Battery Park also holds some concerts and other events. This Saturday there was a science exhibit, and last summer there was a Rilo Kiley concert (that I had to miss!), among others. I've even seen the Paul Taylor II company perform for free on a makeshift stage in the park.
If you don't want to chance it and head down to the park to enjoy some rays and the random entertainment, you can find schedules for the larger events on the Battery Conservancy website. Different organizations use the space, and a wide variety of things go on there. The best part? It's free!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
SummerStage
I don’t often splurge for cabs, but after a long afternoon of traveling back to the city from a short trip home to New Hampshire, I decided to switch up the subway for a cab back to my apartment. This is mostly because it was downpouring and I was trying to catch a dance class (no such luck – too late!), but the reason doesn’t really matter.
Long story short, the cab was zooming through Central Park back to the East Side and I saw groups of people heading towards a stage with large signs reading SummerStage.
Now, I have seen signs and seen the stage set up in years past, but I have never taken the time to figure out what SummerStage was all about – I just figured it would be expensive or impossible to get into. Since I was too late to go to my class, however, I had some time to look into the details about what this stage is all about.
SummerStage is put on by the City Parks Foundation, and it presents a variety of free and benefit concerts. On the list for their Mainstage in Central Park this summer is a wide variety of acts – musicians such as Public Enemy, The Specials, and other famous bands, as well as dance groups such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and other performers such as poets, comedians, and actors. I’m really looking forward to trying to see St. Vincent on August 1 and Complexions Contemporary Ballet on August 10, but hopefully I can get into the action earlier than August – there are plenty of shows to choose from!
This event happens every year, and most shows are free – but for the shows that require payment, order ahead. It’s the first day of June, and some shows are already listed as sold out! The free shows just require getting there early enough to find a spot – I’ll try to go to a show soon and see just how early the crowds normally get there. Keep in mind, too, that there are shows happening not just on the Central Park Mainstage, but also throughout the rest of the city and its boroughs. Check out the website for the full listings, and I’ll keep you posted on what I see and find out about this SummerStage deal. But so far, it looks like an amazing program – keeping the arts alive and accessible to NYC residents is a great goal, and utilizing the beautiful parks of Manhattan and its boroughs is a unique way to see the performances. I, for one, can’t wait!
Long story short, the cab was zooming through Central Park back to the East Side and I saw groups of people heading towards a stage with large signs reading SummerStage.
Now, I have seen signs and seen the stage set up in years past, but I have never taken the time to figure out what SummerStage was all about – I just figured it would be expensive or impossible to get into. Since I was too late to go to my class, however, I had some time to look into the details about what this stage is all about.
SummerStage is put on by the City Parks Foundation, and it presents a variety of free and benefit concerts. On the list for their Mainstage in Central Park this summer is a wide variety of acts – musicians such as Public Enemy, The Specials, and other famous bands, as well as dance groups such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and other performers such as poets, comedians, and actors. I’m really looking forward to trying to see St. Vincent on August 1 and Complexions Contemporary Ballet on August 10, but hopefully I can get into the action earlier than August – there are plenty of shows to choose from!
This event happens every year, and most shows are free – but for the shows that require payment, order ahead. It’s the first day of June, and some shows are already listed as sold out! The free shows just require getting there early enough to find a spot – I’ll try to go to a show soon and see just how early the crowds normally get there. Keep in mind, too, that there are shows happening not just on the Central Park Mainstage, but also throughout the rest of the city and its boroughs. Check out the website for the full listings, and I’ll keep you posted on what I see and find out about this SummerStage deal. But so far, it looks like an amazing program – keeping the arts alive and accessible to NYC residents is a great goal, and utilizing the beautiful parks of Manhattan and its boroughs is a unique way to see the performances. I, for one, can’t wait!
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