The first piece, A Choreographic Offering, was choreographed to Johann Sebastian Bach’s Musical Offering. The composer was a favorite of both Limón and his mentor, Doris Humphrey. Based on movements from several of Humphrey’s dances, the performance seemed to be a perfect balance between grace and power. The dancers, performed individually, as couples and as a group. Many of the movements required an amazing level of balance and control, which some of the dancers found to be a challenge, initially. One female dancer heroically held on to a precarious pose with impressive diligence as she waited for the next group of dancers to reach their positions onstage. Nevertheless, we were completely taken with many of the moves, including circle dances in which each couple, in turn, would enter the center and perform. The effect was often like seeing a beautiful flower blossoming right before you.
Recordare began with a most eerie feel, appropriate for a dance surrounding “The Day of the Dead”, as mourners entered the stage along with a widow and pallbearers carrying a coffin. However, as an eerie skeleton burst forth from the coffin and the mourners reveal that they are more than what they seem, we discover that Recordare is more than what it seems. The next scene, in which three skeleton mariachis happily play their instruments and dance, evoking laughter from the audience, breaks the morbid feel. Though seemingly polar opposites, the remainder of the performance vacillates between eeriness and humor, much to the delight of the audience. One of the funniest moments was when El Diablo appears with a belly that looks more like he’s been sitting on the couch drinking Schlitz for the past year than being busy with the task of torturing the wicked. He engages the town and several young ladies in “dancing with the devil,” never a smart bet.
The Moor’s Pavane was full of passion and impressively executed by four dancers in the role of the Moor, his wife, his friend and his friend’s wife. Each movement and expression clearly conveyed each character’s feelings and intentions. This was truly my favorite piece.
It was a thing of beauty to see this dance company, which embodies the celebration of a variety of ethnicities, as they performed in unison. It was also encouraging to see many young dance students and their families in the audience, who may not normally have the opportunity to attend such an event. The impact that the arts can have on the life of a young person can be tremendous. Hopefully when the Limon Dance Company comes back to town the immense State Theatre will be brimming at full capacity. Their performance is one not to be missed.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Roxanne Ravenel ZaanPVA@Yahoo.com (:divend:)