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Joyce Theater Company.
Limon at it's Best.
By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).Published 13 minutes ago • 3 min read
Robert M. Massimi.
New York City has all of these off the beaten path venues and that is what makes New York City the greatest city in the world! The Joyce Theater has been around for many years; last night I had the pleasure of watching the Limon Dance Company (' over the O in Limon).
Limon(' over the O) has been around for years. One of the 20th century's most important dance companies, the Limon's dancers and choreography are first rate. The evening consisted of 5 different dances; three in the first act and two in the second act. For two hours the dance company was tight and professional, their execution was flawless.
Starting with "The Traitor", the stage had a modest imitation rock formation with six passthroughs in it. This enabled the eight male dancers to pass freely through it. Crafty in nature, the set put us back in time where the raw energy of the dancers, the raw music set a wonderful mood to this piece. The number also kept the choreography from Limon himself. As a professionals professional, Jose Limon wrote and designed this piece back in 1954 and the movements in dance, the music itself remain the same!
In "Traitor", he gives us the edginess of humans as they as a group turn on this one man in the heat of emotions. He perfectly characterizes the human spirit in a group setting; how humans at anytime can arbitrarily turn on one another. Limon pays particular attention as to the body movements for each dancer: their business (facial and body expression) brings the story being told to the forefront.
The second scene, maybe my favorite was "Scherzo". The only music to this piece was a very good drummer (Kieran King), as well as a drum that the dances passed around to each other while dancing. The crux of this dance is that the dancers are children playing in the back yard and having fun. Here, Limon is deft in his choreography once again; the body business works in a gale force! In the 11 minutes, the movement is rapid fire with the dances simulating play as children.
In "The Quake that Held Them All", choreographer Kayla Farrish brings much the same style a Limon himself. The movements here are more obtuse. The dancers are definitive in movement and their expression has more definition and edge. Composed by Alex MacKinnon, the music too is more explosive which compliments the dance piece. In its 25 minute world premiere, the audience gets a peek into what modern, modern dance will look like. Between the orchestrations and the avant-garde jazz movements, the modern, modern is looking bright!
After intermission we saw a short but pithy piece which lasted 6 minutes. "Two Ecstatic Themes" was choreographed by Doris Humphrey with staging by Gail Corbin. Played to the piano by Michael Scales, the Joyce has almost a Met-Opera feel because of the passion by its audience. Like the opera, the modern dance has a small, loyal fan base very reminiscent of the jazz audience throughout Manhattan as well. Being inside this historic hall, I felt the same energy as I do when I attend the Metropolitan Opera House.
In the shows final number :"Missa Brevis" remastered by Darron L. West, Soloist Outsider Eric Parra is in full command of movement and lead. With a bigger compliment of dancers, "Missa" is the grand finale to this wonderful evening with such talent in dance, music and staging. The Limon Dance Company is here till November 10th and should not be missed! This historic dance company brings a rich history with it; it has set the bar for great dance for many generations and hopefully many more!
The Joyce Theater, Modern Dance, Jazz, New York City.
About the Creator
Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).
I have been writing on theater since 1982. A graduate from Manhattan College B.S. A member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes excellence in both English and Science. I have produced 14 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows
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