Wow. Last night’s show was A.Ma.Zing. The dancers have only been back in the studios for 2 weeks, and in that time they perfected three incredibly difficult, dramatically different and intensely beautiful ballets. I’m sure the fact that we had a packed house at Studio K didn’t hurt – the dancers can feel the energy from the audience, the audience can feel the energy from the dancers, and each act becomes an unspoken conversation. At the reception on stage after the final ballet, Fleming’s unveiled the drink they created for us to be served at the opening night at The Joyce. It is a delicious concoction called the Tulsa Platinum, topped with fresh strawberries and champagne. Mmmmm. At these receptions, I usually like to tell each dancer which part they performed that evening that I particularly enjoyed. This can be difficult when a dancer has several scenes that are so moving, but I really try to pick just one. The entire company was so on, though, that I found my eyes watching the entire scene rather than focusing on one dancer. But of course, a few special parts come to mind…..
In Elite Syncopations, the entire company is on stage, wearing the wildest costumes, dancing light-heartedly to Scott Joplin music. The first thing I notice is how incredibly long Yi’s legs look in those vertical stripes. His kicks, jumps, leaps (civilian lingo – I’m not a dancer) are breathtaking. I wait for him to lose control of his body during those turns, but he never does. And although it was just for a brief moment, I always enjoy his partnering with Ashley. I think their lines compliment each other beautifully.
Nacho Duato’s Por Vos Muero may be my favorite ballet ever. The music is enchanting, spellbinding. Each vignette moves between tragic, celebratory, sad, and playful. The emotion the dancers express is powerful. In this piece, my favorite part is the duet of Ma and Ricardo. These two dancers have the ability to mirror each other in timing and movement in a unique way, and both have such incredible stage presence that the “story” of the pas is easy to read.
Young Soon Hue created This is Your Life for Tulsa Ballet in 2008. It was an audience favorite then, but I think last night was the best I’ve seen it. Mugen charmed the audience, as usual, with his charm, good looks, and powerful dance technique. Soo Youn is back after recovering from knee surgery, and she and Mugen together have such presence and chemistry, as well as pure classical talent. Kate, Yi and Beatrice performed a pas de trois that nearly brought tears to my eyes. The passion, anger and sadness of a broken heart are revealed in evocative choreography, as well as the raw emotion in Kate’s expression and movement. Ricardo stole the show with his campy “Sunshine”, which brought hearty laughter from the audience, but he also showcased his strength and flexibility in solos as well as combinations with both men and women. He is a very talented and versatile dancer and performer – hard to believe he was also a brazen Curly in Oklahoma Suite. And of course, Karina and Alfonso were stunning in a poignant pas de duex. Karina. I could watch her dance all day. But it’s not just her graceful movement, her amazing extensions or perfect proportions. She has really developed such a commanding stage presence that even when she is standing still you can’t take your eyes off her. She and Alfonso know each other so well that their partnering is very natural – never awkward, always elegant.
The choice of repertoire is genius, but if anything is (only slightly) disappointing, it is that some of the company members I most enjoy watching do not perform roles that showcase their talent. In particular, I would like to see Alberto in a more featured role. Not only is he incredibly good looking, and very gifted, but he also projects a passion from the stage that you can read in his movement in the very back row. Rupert had a nice duet with Kate, but I love to watch him in solo work – like his powerful role in Ramonsos.
In all, this is an evening that will not be forgotten - that will forever alter the opinions of the New York dance critics and theater goers - that will represent the culture of Tulsa and Oklahoma for the entire world to see.
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