Ballet Hispanico @ PlayhouseSquare 2/20 Dancing before three sold-out performance audiences, Ballet Hispanico -- whose appearance was co-sponsored by DanceCleveland and Cuyahoga Community College -- presented a mixed-bag program. Pieces varied from traditional Hispanic dance, including the mambo, cha cha cha, bolero, rhumba and conga, to modern and contemporary pieces. Those coming to the programs expecting folkloric presentations of dancers in traditional costumes were probably disappointed. Those knowing the reputation of this world-class company got what they expected, a combination of Hispanic sounds and movements blended with balletic and contemporary moves...

The highlight of the program was the closing piece, Ritmo Y Ruido, a contemporary number choreographed by Ann Reinking, a protégé of Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse. Known for her appearances in Pippin, A Chorus Line and the movie All That Jazz. Reinking is as dynamic a conceiver of dance as she was a performer. Many of her moves are patented Fosse. Quick hand-and-head movements, pelvic thrusts, gymnastic moves were combined in Ritmo Y Ruido, with traditional Hispanic steps and body positions, to create an exciting and audience-pleasing dance.

The rest of the program was not as successful as the Reinking piece. Though generally well danced, there were lapses in synchronized movements and the pieces often were not dynamic enough to hold the audience’s attention.

Capsule judgment: Those who left the Ballet Hispanico program after the first two-thirds of the program, and, unfortunately, there were quite a few at the Friday night offering, missed out on Reinking's work mentioned above -- the clear highlight of the evening.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Roy Berko royberkoATyahoo.com
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