2008 Woodie Awards
If, as the songs say, the scent of love is in the air, then the England studio at the Washington Ballet has been converted into a veritable perfumery. The fragrance of ardor comes in a variety of bouquets, among them the tang of infatuation, the musk of lust and the lingering trace of intoxicating, Dionysian desire. Happily, artistic director Septime Webre has assembled an assortment of equally diverse dancers with a sommelier's precision for "7x7," the final and most satisfying program of the company's season.
Currently running now through May 16th, the mixed rep features seven new works by seven different choreographers, each one seven minutes long. The theme, as was mentioned, is love presented in gorgeous spectrums that perhaps only the late Estèe Lauder would have dreamed up.
Housed in an intimate lobby and dance studio, the romantic transformation can be credited to the wonders of interior decorating. Light fixtures in curvy shapes hang from the rafters, silky scrims line the walls and plush couches and circular rugs fashioned in Technicolor fill the space so that it resembles a living room out of the Plastic Fantastic 60s (think Austin Powers's pad). One may need to be reminded the reason for their visit is not to flash back; it's not always easy, given that some of the interim music comes from David Bowie. But dance is the raison d'etre of the evening, and, for the most part, the product lives up to the promise of its packaging.
The opening piece choreographed by Trey McIntyre is casual and playful, bringing to mind the recent ABT performance of "Within You Without You: A Tribute to George Harrison." Like that work, the ballet vernacular is softened by a modern streak: it's less precise but just as thoughtful as something out of Mark Morris's playbook. Noteworthy are John Jordan and Michelle Jimenez in one of the pas de deux.
Next on the bill is a gentle duet that, despite the contrasting dance genre, still evokes the halcyon days when Fred and Ginger used to float on air. Elizabeth Gaither, formerly of ABT, has a lovely, musical line. She effortlessly hangs and weighs on every dulcet piano chord even when the choreography (reminiscent of Nacho Duato's work, with a couple Stromanesque twirls for good measure) runs out of ideas. It's a swoon-worthy performance.
Currently running now through May 16th, the mixed rep features seven new works by seven different choreographers, each one seven minutes long. The theme, as was mentioned, is love presented in gorgeous spectrums that perhaps only the late Estèe Lauder would have dreamed up.
Housed in an intimate lobby and dance studio, the romantic transformation can be credited to the wonders of interior decorating. Light fixtures in curvy shapes hang from the rafters, silky scrims line the walls and plush couches and circular rugs fashioned in Technicolor fill the space so that it resembles a living room out of the Plastic Fantastic 60s (think Austin Powers's pad). One may need to be reminded the reason for their visit is not to flash back; it's not always easy, given that some of the interim music comes from David Bowie. But dance is the raison d'etre of the evening, and, for the most part, the product lives up to the promise of its packaging.
The opening piece choreographed by Trey McIntyre is casual and playful, bringing to mind the recent ABT performance of "Within You Without You: A Tribute to George Harrison." Like that work, the ballet vernacular is softened by a modern streak: it's less precise but just as thoughtful as something out of Mark Morris's playbook. Noteworthy are John Jordan and Michelle Jimenez in one of the pas de deux.
Next on the bill is a gentle duet that, despite the contrasting dance genre, still evokes the halcyon days when Fred and Ginger used to float on air. Elizabeth Gaither, formerly of ABT, has a lovely, musical line. She effortlessly hangs and weighs on every dulcet piano chord even when the choreography (reminiscent of Nacho Duato's work, with a couple Stromanesque twirls for good measure) runs out of ideas. It's a swoon-worthy performance.
