Review: A PROGRAM OF FIRSTS at Academy Of Music

May 12th 2016 - May 15th 2016

By Balanchine, Neenan, & Scarlett, music by Tchaikovsky, Poulenc & Herion

May 12, 2016 to May 15, 2016 - Academy of Music

Key terms - Narrative, abstract, focus, movement, modern, classic

Balanchine's Serenade -

Set to the score of Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48, Serenade is a seemingly classic piece with choreography that is delicate and timeless. The dancers glide peacefully like jellyfish across a seemingly serene stage. Although Balanchine is not known for narrative work and it seems this work follows suit one could argue that there are elements of romantic feelings involving loss, rejection, social unity and acceptance after rejection.

Although the original work itself carried a lot of grace the dancers on many occasions did not seem to be completely aware of each other as a group, because they did not seem to be in step with each other. Being too focused on your own steps when you are part of an ensemble can be a big problem when paying homage to classical choreographers such a George Balanchine. Even the smallest misstep can throw the entire feeling therefore voiding any emotions the viewer may have been experiencing. Although the music and the choreography were delicate and graceful, this small issue made the production seem to stoic and like that of a high school recital.

Archiva -

Set to a newly commissioned orchestral score composed by Troy Herion, Archiva gives the viewer an interesting peek into what happens back stage by putting it center stage. Using an abstract narrative to tell a story of organized chaos coated in vanity and humor. Archiva depicts the struggle for power between the up and comers and the veteran dancer yet despite all the struggle and what can sometimes can only be viewed as a hatred for your competition, none of that matters when the work pays off and a piece comes together effectively therefore creating a love for your peers from what initially seemed like loathing. The industry of art and dance is known for being so incredibly competitive but it is an issue that isn't often depicted in a creative manner and in some cases not even discussed. This form of narrative was very successful in shining a new and interesting light on this issue and then showing through the art form itself how this can all be resolved.

The combination of modern movements and classic styles was predominantly very well done, using intentionally off tempo movements and jilted motions. Combining styles in this manner created the illusion of many different dancers practicing many different works at once because that is what would be happening in the studio. Although at times the male principals would often give off a West side story style "Sharks vs. Jets feel which was a little jarring, it did not distract from the overall message and as a whole did not distract from the concepts, chorography and narratives. All in all Archiva was an effective piece and possibly the most successful out of the three premieres during the evening for A Program of Firsts.

Asphodel Meadows -

Asphodel Meadows was created for The Royal Ballet in 2010; Pennsylvania Ballet performs the North American Premiere of choreographer Liam Scarlett's piece. The music for this ballet, Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos in D Minor features a dialogue between the two pianos, which is mirrored in the series of pas de deux performed by three principal couples. Using fast and fluid movement to mimic what could be abstract feelings of love, loss and acceptance this supposedly non-narrative piece seemed to tell a story of different sets of lovers going through different stages of being. That said, if there was a narrative it was a bit difficult to follow. It wasn't abstract enough to understand that it wasn't supposed to be a narrative but did not have a strong enough story to stand on its own. The overall message was very muddled.

The two dimensional visual aspects of Asphodel Meadows were incredibly striking. The use of muted earth tones in the costumes really made the principal dancers stand out. The outfits created a beautiful scene that stood up very well next to the bold and strong abstract back drops. In fact, the back drops were so bold and striking that they at times were distracting from the dancers and I would lose track of what was happening within the choreography. The idea of combining abstract art and set design is wonderful, in theory, but if the back drop over shadows the main purpose (which is the dancers and the movements) it can work against you. When it comes to art you need to pick your battles. Although I loved the artwork it made it difficult for my eye to choose what to focus on.