STEVE SHIRLEY
Writer-Reviewer
2018 REVIEWS
North County Dance Arts:
Presents ...
"The JOURNEY"
Per Steve Shirley
North County Dance Arts (NCDA), under the Direction of founders and producers Louis & Tanya McKay, presented this year’s Recital/Dance Concert “The Journey” July 29th, 2017, at the Mandeville Center Auditorium … on the Campus of UCSD.
A ‘recital’ differs from a ‘concert’. The first purpose of a ‘recital’, is to get every student on stage. This is important. Being in front of an audience isn’t for everybody. You better find out early, if seeking the limelight is your cup of tea. Yes, what we do in a ‘recital’, should showcase all we have learned. This is important. The ‘recital’, is mostly for the student’s and their sponsors benefit. The ‘concert’ is solely for the pleasure of the audience. It is proper to BOO a bad concert … there is no cause for
voicing displeasure at a recital.
Hands down, North County Dance Arts (NCDA) gives the best ‘recital’ we have ever seen. That they can compete with the world’s best dance companies in the ‘concert’ category, boosts them into a very select position of theatre prominence indeed. The students get the best of both worlds … and so does the audience!
voicing displeasure at a recital.
Hands down, North County Dance Arts (NCDA) gives the best ‘recital’ we have ever seen. That they can compete with the world’s best dance companies in the ‘concert’ category, boosts them into a very select position of theatre prominence indeed. The students get the best of both worlds … and so does the audience!
ZERO IN ON
“The Journey”
NC County Dance Arts
Where: Mandeville Auditorium
Dates: July 29th, 2017
www.ncdancearts.com
ZERO IN ON
“The Journey”
NC County Dance Arts
Where: Mandeville Auditorium
Dates: July 29th, 2017
www.ncdancearts.com
NCDA, has been flourishing for close to four decades, giving invaluable life training, and NCDA theatre experience to generations of San Diegans. Once again, NCDA will be nominated for Rob Appel’s BRAVO SAN DIEGO AWARD for this year’s Best Dance Concert in the greater San Diego area. Last year’s recital, was voted by our readers and reviewers, as one of the three finalists in this category. I repeat …This category includes National and World Touring Dance Companies!!!
This year, there were two almost completely different performances given on the same day (only three numbers were the same in both shows). Each presentation, featured around forty selections, varying perfectly in length to showcase, but not overtax, the varying levels of talent. That is eighty separate dance, and now singing routines (This could be NCDA’s official entrance into the Musical category of the Bravo Awards), each with its’ own style of music, costumes, sets, lights and choreography.
The tap numbers, a noted super strength for NCDA, were exceptional in their variations, both in groups and solos. We could hear their tappings clearly enough to enjoy the quality of their training, and ‘staying in unison’ skills. Every style of dance is utilized … every type of body embraced … even every age included. Every graduating senior from this program, for the last five years at least, has been accepted into a major university.
The tap numbers, a noted super strength for NCDA, were exceptional in their variations, both in groups and solos. We could hear their tappings clearly enough to enjoy the quality of their training, and ‘staying in unison’ skills. Every style of dance is utilized … every type of body embraced … even every age included. Every graduating senior from this program, for the last five years at least, has been accepted into a major university.
The stagecraft tonight was impeccable. All the theatre disciplines were woven expertly into the fabric of this show. This is an entire army of different folks, with years of training still in progress, coming together to do the impossible … while singing, dancing and playing (seriously) around.
Watching one, or both of these recital presentations, shows us in one setting, the beginning, middle and continuing life enhancing possibilities, of theatrical training when it is done properly.
Watching one, or both of these recital presentations, shows us in one setting, the beginning, middle and continuing life enhancing possibilities, of theatrical training when it is done properly.
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To single out all those special moments, this concert presented, would take too long. The list of names that deserve to be mentioned, exceeds the ink levels in my new pen. If you had any part in this show’s presentation we salute you now. On your resume, saying that you participated at NCDA, is enough to get you that second consideration in at least a dozen categories.
https://www.northcountydancearts.com/classes/
Photos by – Sue Brenner
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https://www.northcountydancearts.com/classes/
Photos by – Sue Brenner
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Blythe Barton Dance Collective:
Presents ...
"CIRCUMVENT"
Per Steve Shirley
Blythe Barton Dance Collective, presented “circumvent--- dance-in-the-round” at the … White Box Live Arts Theatre in Point Loma, San Diego, on Feb.24th 26th, 2017. This venue is a perfect setting for concerts of music and movement, with ample free, close-by parking, and many dining opportunities within blocks. The stage can be configured into several different designs. Seating is limited, so reserving tickets in advance might be a reasonable way to insure a place at the table. Tonight was sold out! |
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In tonight’s performance, the stage is as wide, and as deep as any major theater – except, that the seating goes only two rows deep, the width of the stage - with the second row, sitting above the first, so clear viewing is assured for all. You are literally sitting in the first row, with your feet touching the stage. The dancers are flying by so close that you can hear them breathe. Across from you, the other half of the audience can be clearly seen.
You are an audience seated so close, that you are with-in touching the performance. You are also in the same position as a dancer, being watched from the audience on the other side. Both sides of the audience … are sitting so close … we can see each other breathing!!
We often wonder why, at dance concerts, so few dancers from other companies attend. Not so, at Blythe Barton presentations. Tonight, was a who’s who in the dance world, with many of San Diego’s most notable dancers and choreographers in attendance. If you enjoy DANCE, and want to keep up with what is trending at this moment, it seems that here, is where we all definitely were tonight.
We often wonder why, at dance concerts, so few dancers from other companies attend. Not so, at Blythe Barton presentations. Tonight, was a who’s who in the dance world, with many of San Diego’s most notable dancers and choreographers in attendance. If you enjoy DANCE, and want to keep up with what is trending at this moment, it seems that here, is where we all definitely were tonight.
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We were offered five selections tonight - four of them premieres. Several of these had multiple parts, so it is hard for me to tell exactly who was in what. The dancers were Lauren Christie, Andrew Holmes, Bradley R. Lundberg, Cara Steen, Nicholas Strasburg, Brittany Taylor, Chelsea Zeffiro, Cecily Holcombe, and Karina Martinez. Together, in solo, and in different combinations they were as impressive a company as can be found anywhere in the dance world!
The music selections were varied and beautiful. There were story lines in each presentation, though we were encouraged to invent whichever appealed to us the most. I would best describe this performance, as looking into a large kaleidoscope, following the patterns of different shapes and colors so varied, that with each turn of the prisms, something unique was always formed from something just disappearing. Still, everything had its proper order … curtain-to-curtain, there was intelligent, entertaining design!
We were given one of the strongest male duets I have seen… and it was choreographed by a woman. Of course, one of Blythe’s natural talents, is that she is incredibly strong. Also, presented beautifully, a touching farewell dance/poem … wishes for much happiness and success to Nicholas Strasburg, in his next chapter … it has been our great pleasure to experience his dancing over the years.
Multi-styled dancing --- beautiful bodies --- sensational choreography --- enticing costuming … lovely poetry reading --- watched by a crowd of incredible dancers, choreographers and dance enthusiasts. An evening to remember, and to want to attend again and again!
We were given one of the strongest male duets I have seen… and it was choreographed by a woman. Of course, one of Blythe’s natural talents, is that she is incredibly strong. Also, presented beautifully, a touching farewell dance/poem … wishes for much happiness and success to Nicholas Strasburg, in his next chapter … it has been our great pleasure to experience his dancing over the years.
Multi-styled dancing --- beautiful bodies --- sensational choreography --- enticing costuming … lovely poetry reading --- watched by a crowd of incredible dancers, choreographers and dance enthusiasts. An evening to remember, and to want to attend again and again!
For information on classes, seminars, auditions, upcoming presentations and volunteer possibilities visit
www.blythebartondance.org
Photos by Sue Brenner
www.blythebartondance.org
Photos by Sue Brenner
KIDz Danz Kompany:
Presents . . .
"BALLET MY WAY"
Per Steve Shirley
“Ballet My Way” performed by the KIdz Danz Kompany, an integral part of Visionary Dance Theatre/ Visionary School for the Performing Arts, was presented May 5-6, 2017, at the San Diego Performing Arts Center, at 4579 Mission Gorge Place, in San Diego. |
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This company, around for almost a decade, was founded by Artistic Director Spencer John Powell, and theatre Tech Wizard and Business Director-Partner Mickey Mounarath, and has come further in that short time than anyone could have thought possible.
Spencer Powell & Mickey Mounarath (left)
Throughout this incredible run, Assistant Artistic Director Ramon Montes has been a Visionary Invaluable. Ramon, is preparing to leave San Diego, to pursue career enhancing possibilities in Washington. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
Spencer Powell & Mickey Mounarath (left)
Throughout this incredible run, Assistant Artistic Director Ramon Montes has been a Visionary Invaluable. Ramon, is preparing to leave San Diego, to pursue career enhancing possibilities in Washington. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
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Tonight, we were treated to another stellar performance, by a group of really young dancers - whose efforts these two nights, have earned them a nomination for the Rob Appel’s Bravo San Diego Award for the “Best Dance Concert” of the 2017 Season, in the Senior Division. This performance was inspired by “The Book of Qualities”, authored by Best Selling Author J. Ruth Gendler, which explores the kaleidoscopically diverse terrain of human qualities and emotions. This was a huge undertaking, with a very large cast of characters, and The KIDz, were delightfully successful, in interpreting many of these qualities … in an intricate storyline fashion.
Yes, in entertainment value, this performance can compete with any of San Diego’s major dance companies … who themselves, can compete with any major dance company in world.
Curtain to curtain - wing to wing - apron to backdrop - this presentation was stunning! The choreography, which is always listed as a collaboration between all the participants, showed clearly where all dance companies, that specialize in a single style of movement … should be heading. Visionary performers, are cavorting “outside the box”, in an arena, where most other companies have yet to find the entrance door! Spencer’s teaching emphasis, is on young dancers being encouraged to feel at home in their own bodies, as the foundation to learning traditional styles of technique. This is a unique approach to Dance Education … and should be enthusiastically embraced!
Curtain to curtain - wing to wing - apron to backdrop - this presentation was stunning! The choreography, which is always listed as a collaboration between all the participants, showed clearly where all dance companies, that specialize in a single style of movement … should be heading. Visionary performers, are cavorting “outside the box”, in an arena, where most other companies have yet to find the entrance door! Spencer’s teaching emphasis, is on young dancers being encouraged to feel at home in their own bodies, as the foundation to learning traditional styles of technique. This is a unique approach to Dance Education … and should be enthusiastically embraced!
Music selection --- Sensational Costuming by Wardrobe Wizardess Debbie Solan (of Idea Field, a unique art space) - Beyond Sensational … Lighting … Ditto.
We were treated to Ballet technique, every bit as interesting as the major company’s presentations - without any of the usual traditional ballet boredom. Here is Classical Dance and performance technique, that blends itself in and out of every other imagined style of dance - telling full length story lines, with full production quality presentation … and they re Kidz- - (OK, so they might not do so well in a spelling B).
We were treated to Ballet technique, every bit as interesting as the major company’s presentations - without any of the usual traditional ballet boredom. Here is Classical Dance and performance technique, that blends itself in and out of every other imagined style of dance - telling full length story lines, with full production quality presentation … and they re Kidz- - (OK, so they might not do so well in a spelling B).
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This family oriented performing group, is now a full-strength dance company, with lots of young men (often lacking in other companies), that as they progress, will then nurture generations of healthy, productive-citizens. There is a more senior Visionary Performing Company, to graduate in to … that is equally fascinating.
Ramon Montes – Assistant Director
Their future performances should by on your radar … Visionary’s KIDz Danz Kompany, is far more than a promising dance company. You will thank yourself, for following your decision to attend and or participate!
For further information on classes, seminars, auditions, volunteer possibilities and upcoming presentations, visit www.VisionaryDanceTheatre.org, or call 619-758-8112.
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Their future performances should by on your radar … Visionary’s KIDz Danz Kompany, is far more than a promising dance company. You will thank yourself, for following your decision to attend and or participate!
For further information on classes, seminars, auditions, volunteer possibilities and upcoming presentations, visit www.VisionaryDanceTheatre.org, or call 619-758-8112.
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Mojalet Dance Collective:
Presented 25th Anniversary Celebration
“Mercy Trilogy”
Nick Heomahavong & Robby Johnson
(Photo by Manuel Rotenberg)
Per Steve Shirley
Mojalet Dance Collective, founded and Artistically Directed by Faith Jensen-Ismay, presented their “25th Anniversary Celebration” at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, Feb. 11 & 12, 2017. Faith Jensen-Ismay (right) |
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On this night, this dynamic troupe of absolutely perfectly trained and seasoned performers, got to spread-out and masterfully claim an entire full-sized stage & auditorium. The opening selection “Mercy Trilogy”, a full length Premier, was a stunning reminder, that this quarter of a century dance company, still a work in progress, has fully achieved its’ rightful position at the top of the world … of professional dance.
Always, the audience has to tell the performers, where on the scale of “GREAT”, a perfect presentation is located. Later the cast, listening to the applause or reading a review, might get the idea they were playing in the realm of “PERFECTION”. The best scenario is like tonight where the dancers themselves realize they are in the “perfection groove” while the performance is happening. This entire company was ready to knowingly shine, and claim their collective place at the top of their profession. This is a rarity even among the greatest of performances.
Always, the audience has to tell the performers, where on the scale of “GREAT”, a perfect presentation is located. Later the cast, listening to the applause or reading a review, might get the idea they were playing in the realm of “PERFECTION”. The best scenario is like tonight where the dancers themselves realize they are in the “perfection groove” while the performance is happening. This entire company was ready to knowingly shine, and claim their collective place at the top of their profession. This is a rarity even among the greatest of performances.
Act II: Part One & Two, an “Alumni Montage”, danced to perfection, was comprised of the best and most varied numbers the Mojalet Dance Collective has presented over the last twenty five years. Since Joan and I, have attended many of these performances, we were treated to a “Review Spectacular”. Faith, choreographed all of the selections tonight, except for the laugh-out-loud comedic dance “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries”, choreographed by mentor and friend, Patricia Sandback, and a collaboration with Sharon Kearin on “That’s Enough" (aka “The Hat Dance”) … an audience favorite. Throughout eleven juxtaposed pieces, we were treated to a collection of past Mojalet dancers, who originally performed the selections - the amazing, present Core Company, and, an introduction to up and coming members, who will address the Company’s future.
Let us also give some Kudos to the innovative final bows, incorporated into “Swing & Fling”. A goodly number of fantastic performances fall short, at this finale stage of conclusion.Act I’s “Mercy Trilogy”, like every other Mojalet performance, had a beautiful story line - unique unending patterns of movement, fantastic music selection, sensational lighting, and perfect costuming, offered multi-styles of dancing techniques, and served up originality and precision in “No Trump” (In Bridge, No Trump is higher-up the ladder of successful accomplishments than Spades). To us, this seemed an entire show on its’ own.
The Mojalet Dance Company, has a repertory of over a hundred stored-up, ready to be again polished selections, to draw from and dazzle you. The new, yet to be choreographed offerings … will enrich and enthrall you as well!
For information on Classes, Seminars, Auditions, Upcoming performances and volunteer opportunities, visit www.mojalet.com, or call 1-858-243-1402
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The Mojalet Dance Company, has a repertory of over a hundred stored-up, ready to be again polished selections, to draw from and dazzle you. The new, yet to be choreographed offerings … will enrich and enthrall you as well!
For information on Classes, Seminars, Auditions, Upcoming performances and volunteer opportunities, visit www.mojalet.com, or call 1-858-243-1402
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ART POWER (UCLA):
Presents ...
Bereishit Dance Company
Per Steve Shirley
The Bereishit Dance Company, hailing from Seoul, South Korea, was featured in the Art Power series of dance theatrical presentations offered at the Mandeville Auditorium at the University of California San Diego, March 9, 2017. There still remains almost a full season of offerings, that cover a multitude of different entertainment packages. This annual UCSD series, could be your one-stop shopping location, for a complete year of varied theatrical experiences.
Making their West Coast debut, Bereishit Dance Company (However you choose to pronounce the name) consists of three male and two female dancers, accompanied by three musicians, who also supply solo and group vocal support. The music, was a fusion of traditional and contemporary Korean compositions, and the choreography a blend of East and West …Tonight, we were treated to a look at ‘dance theatre’ from an entirely different perspective. This, in fact, is one of the goals of the Art Power presentations. This evening, special thanks went out to UCSD Partner … the Transnational Korean Studies Program.
The Bereishit Dance Company, hailing from Seoul, South Korea, was featured in the Art Power series of dance theatrical presentations offered at the Mandeville Auditorium at the University of California San Diego, March 9, 2017. There still remains almost a full season of offerings, that cover a multitude of different entertainment packages. This annual UCSD series, could be your one-stop shopping location, for a complete year of varied theatrical experiences.
Making their West Coast debut, Bereishit Dance Company (However you choose to pronounce the name) consists of three male and two female dancers, accompanied by three musicians, who also supply solo and group vocal support. The music, was a fusion of traditional and contemporary Korean compositions, and the choreography a blend of East and West …Tonight, we were treated to a look at ‘dance theatre’ from an entirely different perspective. This, in fact, is one of the goals of the Art Power presentations. This evening, special thanks went out to UCSD Partner … the Transnational Korean Studies Program.
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The first number, “Bow-Control”, featured the three men, discovering how to make best use of a long bowed stick and a string. Opening, with a humorous look at how disjointed and separated we can become, and following through a series of ‘moving’ experiments, the inevitable conclusion was reached, that these two items, could best be used as a bow and arrow to kill each other … so everything tonight … finally fit the human requirements of civilization.
“Balance & Imbalance”
After a brief intermission, the second half, “Balance and Imbalance”, showcased the five dancers, in a solid, action-packed precise presentation - giving and receiving weight, with spring-like motion, incorporating elements of Hip-Hop and Contact Improvisation. Innovative movement patterns, give this company International Best Dance considerations.
“Balance & Imbalance”
After a brief intermission, the second half, “Balance and Imbalance”, showcased the five dancers, in a solid, action-packed precise presentation - giving and receiving weight, with spring-like motion, incorporating elements of Hip-Hop and Contact Improvisation. Innovative movement patterns, give this company International Best Dance considerations.
The most unique feature of this company, is that even when moving to rigid rhythms, they stream from one move thru the next, with continuous fluidity. To keep together, they are dancing in unison to their own movements – rather, than to the exact beat of the music.
Think of a thousand people in a room, all bouncing in unison to a same beat. Through this mass, comes five people moving exactly in unison with themselves and all the rest - but moving, as if they were deaf to the music all the others are hearing. These five, hit all the moves the others are dancing, at exactly the same moment, but they seemed to be traveling in a slower motion.
Think of a thousand people in a room, all bouncing in unison to a same beat. Through this mass, comes five people moving exactly in unison with themselves and all the rest - but moving, as if they were deaf to the music all the others are hearing. These five, hit all the moves the others are dancing, at exactly the same moment, but they seemed to be traveling in a slower motion.
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At any time the music could be stopped, and all but the five would quit dancing. The Korean five would not miss a beat. Their dance would continue without any music at all. They are not dancing just to the music to maintain their precision … they are dancing first with each other. This approach, allows them the opportunity to be sensationally rhythmic. They earned a most deserved standing ovation!
At any time the music could be stopped, and all but the five would quit dancing. The Korean five would not miss a beat. Their dance would continue without any music at all. They are not dancing just to the music to maintain their precision … they are dancing first with each other. This approach, allows them the opportunity to be sensationally rhythmic. They earned a most deserved standing ovation!
For information on the remainder of the their past season, and their next ...
visit www.ArtPower.UCSD.edu …
Then reserve tickets to attend a truly cultural experience!!!
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visit www.ArtPower.UCSD.edu …
Then reserve tickets to attend a truly cultural experience!!!
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