BWW Reviews: Jersey Moves Festival of Dance-Variety and Style at NJ PAC

On Saturday evening, April 27th, the audience at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark was treated to the second presentation of "Jersey Moves," Festival of Dance, featuring six companies from the Garden State. Like the first installment in February, there was an eclectic variety of genres.

The program was curated by Macada Brandl, Executive Director of Dance New Jersey, Randy James, Associate Professor at Rutgers University, and Robert Johnson, Independent Dance Critic. Clearly, their combined expertise allowed them to make extraordinary choices for the festival.

The program opened with The Davis Academy of Irish Dance performing Its Been Reel, with a featured solo by Timothy Kochka, who also did the choreography for the piece. While many may be familiar with Irish Step Dancing, The Davis Academy of Dancers proved talent in the art with tremendous precision. Kochka, who began dancing at the Davis Academy, has been named one of Irish American Magazines' "Top 100 Irish Americans of the Year" on two occasions. Kochka wowed the audience with his graceful, yet lively, intricate steps.

Bani Ray, an exponent of Odessa, performed Maggot: The Cloud Messenger, which was composed and choreographed by Guru Sheri Dura Charan Rangier. With form both beautiful and dramatic, her dance enacted a poem by Kalidasa. The audience was captivated by both the story and Bani Ray's dance.

The first act ended with New Jersey Tap Ensemble (NJTAP) performing Moon Suite. The eight talented tappers left the stage with the audience wanting more. NJTAP is a professional touring Dance Company with a mission to celebrate and preserve the American art form of rhythm tap through performance, artist development, new works, programs, and arts education. The dancers had a delightful spirit and enthusiasm.

After intermission, Nimbus Dance Works, Jersey City's premiere Dance Company, performed Danzon, with choreography by Petro Ruiz. The six company dancers worked in pairs, with modern duets perfectly suited to the music by Arturo Marquez. The couples were joyous as they combined stylized tango with vibrant, romantic, choreography. The Nimbus Dance Works Company presents programs for Jersey City youth and seniors, and partners with local universities and museums. Nimbus weaves together their artistic excellence and community impact.

The evening continued with the DanceTactics Performance Group presenting Scene 10. The three dancers, Emily Berry, George Hirsch, and Sara Roer, worked as a well developed trio. Dressed in street clothes, the dancers exhibited a keen knowledge of their piece; they executed seemingly impossible lifts and holds, exhibiting a high degree of athleticism and grace. The company thrives on seeking challenges of discovery that takes place within the moment, both compositionally and conceptually.

A highlight of "Jersey Moves" was the final classical piece, Viva Vivaldi by the American Repertory Ballet (ARB). With choreography by Gerald Arpino and music by Antonio Vivaldi, the ARB Company filled the stage with a flawless performance that garnered cheers and admiration from the audience. The ARB proved their reputation as a premiere ballet company in New Jersey. The choice to put ARB's Viva Vivaldi as a finale piece topped off the "Jersey Moves" Festival of Dance.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center has a deep interest in providing a wide variety of cultural experiences for the public including dance. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at the theater from May 10th to May 12th. NJ PAC is conveniently located in the Arts District of Newark and is easily accessible by mass transit and car. The month of May will feature an excellent line-up to suit every theatergoer's taste. Tickets for all performances may be purchased by calling 1-888-GO-NJPAC (1-888-466-5722), in person at the NJPAC box office, or online at www.njpac.org

Photo Credit: George Jones

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