VIEWPOINTS – Blurring the line between film and performance as they dance and sing (and lip-sync): Angélica Negrón’s THE ISLAND WE MADE and Penny Saunders’ IN ANY EVENT

As the pandemic has worn on (with an end hopefully soon in sight), I’ve increasingly seen performing arts institutions embrace filmmaking as a means to maximize engagement with audiences. Although … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – City Center’s virtual New Adventures Festival showcases Matthew Bourne’s unmatched ability to conjure fully realized worlds for his dance creations

Over the last three decades or so, Matthew Bourne and his London-based company New Adventures have dominated the market for the fresh reinvention of classics (e.g., ballets, operas, literary works) … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Alexei Ratmansky and William Forsythe debut notable new works informed by the pandemic: BERNSTEIN IN A BUBBLE & THE BARRE PROJECT (BLAKE WORKS II)

This week, I streamed a pair of notable premieres from two of the dance world’s marquee choreographers, William Forsythe and Alexei Ratmansky. Here are my thoughts on their new pieces. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – A miracle on 23rd Street: Street-side performances at the cell and ChaShaMa whet the appetite for the long-awaited awakening of the performing arts

Last weekend, as I roamed about Chelsea, I encountered a pair of short performances on West 23rd Street that gave me a jolt of excitement. Because of their pent-up, infectious … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Virtual dance programming during the pandemic: Ghostly reminders of past glories

Perhaps the most ephemeral of the performing arts is dance. Every moment in a dance performance reflects the dynamic, ever-changing intersection between music-making, dancer ability, and cumulative human experience. Additionally, … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: The artistry of Balanchine, Beckett, and Guettel bring much-needed texture to the austere latter days of this pandemic winter

This weekend, I streamed a diverse, truly exceptional trio of works by indisputable masters from the worlds of dance theater, dramatic theater, and music theater – George Balanchine, Samuel Beckett, … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Engaging in Black History: Celebrating the 35th anniversaries of George C. Wolfe’s seminal THE COLORED MUSEUM & Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE

February marks Black History Month, which this year takes on extra resonance. This weekend, I streamed two shows that robustly explore the rich, complicated history and legacy of Black America. … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – THE BEST OF 2020: Theater, Music/Cabaret, and Dance

In all respects, 2020 was a stunted year, and few industries was hit harder than the performing arts. Nonetheless, out of the rubble, defiant gems arose – sometimes in the … Continue Reading →

THE HANGOVER REPORT – ON POINTE on Disney Plus is an inspiring ode to the capacity of children and young adults to thrive

Yesterday, I binge-watched Disney Plus‘s new documentary series On Pointe, which chronicles a year at the prestigious School of American Ballet (“SAB”). Closely associated with the world renowned New York … Continue Reading →

VIEWPOINTS – Streaming Diary: Pam Tanowitz’s captivating FINALLY UNFINISHED, two new works from Alvin Ailey, and BalletCollective’s immersive NUTCRACKER

I recently got the chance to take in some rather fascinating virtual dance productions. Here are my thoughts on them. FINALLY UNFINISHED: PART 1Pam Tanowitz Dance / The Joyce Theater … Continue Reading →