Art by any other name is ART. Last night’s performance fusing rhythm, dance, soul, and ballet was ART in its purest form. Leading this writer to question his ability to capture last night’s performance and share the experience with you… realizing limitations disallow a true reflection but hoping the following words will entice you to experience the moment.
In the beginning, there was harmony and peace throughout the world…
How does one describe the beauty of a sunset or the scent of a rose with use of words? Try as a poet may, the true essence of words can never seep the marrow of what was experienced during last nights Battle of the Sexes. For those who unfamiliar, I encourage, no, I implore you to take advantage of what Orlando ballet is so generously offering.
From the opening act, the stage, decorated with simplicity, kept an audience in awe with moves, music, and elegance. Beginning promptly at 8:00 pm, Robert Hill, our talented Artistic Director incorporated mastery to bring thunder, lightning, and raindrops (each as unique as a snowflake) to an alleyway reminiscent of West Side Story… and this was just the beginning.
Although we continued to co-exist, new tensions emerged between the sexes…
Part I received numerous standing ovations while Vos Y YO, choreographed and performed by Katia Garza and Israel Rodriguez, left everyone wanting more.
First performance of the second act, Carmen Pas De Deux, created a stir as the competition between the sexes battled for dominance. And, with most quests underlined by two opposing forces, love’s powerful shadow began to transform original intent to a place all long to be.
Love is the most powerful emotion we have. Nothing can bring greater joy…but nothing can bring greater pain than when love is blocked or lost.
Cucurucucu Paloma, dedicated by Robert Hill to Sibille Hart Pritchard, took ballet to another level… a level where fantasy comes to life. One of my personal favorites, I Who Have Nothing, synchronized the duality of human personality to perfection. As one moved, the other mirrored… to discover strength while acknowledging one without the other could never exist.
Never heard in any ballet I have had the pleasure of attending, Frank Sinatra’s, That’s Life, gave way to a commanding solo by Isreal Rodriguez. Accompanied by a single-stair stage, contemporary dance threaded modern ballet while audience members applauded with reckless abandon.
The clash between the sexes did not cease, but we found a unique satisfaction in testing one another and proving ourselves.
The next battle developments were more than art inspired, they were passion-driven to the point of palatable embrace. “Wild is the Wind” and “Walk on By” fly too quickly. Still, clutched by the entrancement of human consciousness, consequences reality must surface for humanity to evolve… and letting go is a freedom of choice. Though metaphoric in dance, the lesson of not making the right choice and following the path of destruction leads one to ask what is IT good for?
For all our manipulation and struggling for dominance and the occasional, temporary satisfaction, what do we ultimately gain?
War, music by Edwin Star, performed by Patric Palkens, involved more than breathtaking moves and battle cries. This not-so-quiet production took control of an audience willing to give their heart and soul for the “cause.” Have no doubts, by the abrupt end of Patric’s solo, he had everyone reaching out for more and joining his cause.
We have one life and one world to live in it. Our time is short…
The final set of the performance showcased Orlando Ballet’s full company while individual talents were allowed a medium for display. Music by Aretha Franklin, Chic Cheer, and The Bongo Man kept a beating pace with an authentic interactive flair never before witnessed on any ballet stage. With standing ovations and begging for more, I hoped for an encore.
The Battle of the Sexes is over and we are calling a truce… at least for now.
Orlando ballet is a treasure for all of Central Florida to share.
Battle of the Sexes resumes Saturday, March 20th at 8:00 pm and the final performance is scheduled for Sunday, March 21st at 2:30 pm. Take time to attend and bring your family; it is THAT good.
As a side note, the full company was outstanding though I would like to recognize the following: Douglas Horne (first year with the Orlando Ballet who is “keeping it real”), Deonte Hansel (who’s moves were beyond belief), Jessica Sibley (landing a perfect split while performing a headstand, and Anita Boer and Anamarie McGinn (their gut-wrenching performance and emotional delivery brought tears to many members of the audience, self included). Special acknowledgement goes to Israel Rodrigues (Guest Artist), Joey Lynn Mann (Assistant to the Artistic Director), and Yan Chen (Ballet Mistress).
With pen in hand and heart on a sleeve, my advice to you is: Battle of the Sexes is a treasure you won’t want to miss.
dhuffman
