A funny thing happened in a series of collegiate arts programs over the past two decades. Theoreticians and historians–scholars traditionally relegated to more custodial roles in departments primarily devoted to the practice of theater and dance–slowly and methodically gained tenure and stature through conventional academic research. To some degree they had a cultural bellwether: With […]
Byron Woods
Bio: Byron Woods is the INDY's theater and dance critic.Email: [email protected]: http://twitter.com/byronwoods
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In American angels
It’s morning in America–and the Reagan administration is responding ever so slowly to a public health crisis: a virus that has targeted the gay community. In Tony Kushner’s sprawling, caustic and moving two-part epic, Angels in America , people from all walks are confronted with the political, ethical and spiritual consequences of life during a […]
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in longevity
There are rarities, and then there are rarities. First, take the number of modern dance companies. Then remove all those who’ve been together for less than 35 years. Then subtract all but those devoted to African-American choreography. Among the very small handful left, the Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble impressed regional audiences at the […]
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The stories are true…
The notion of community-based art appeals to an egalitarian ethic: Spend extended time with a group of people who somehow differ from you. Gain true insight into their identity, their ideals and their challenges through careful listening, observation, interaction and research. Then give those findings (and, presumably, that community) heightened visibility through artistic expression. But […]
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At this distance
We’re clearly meant to wonder how she does it. At one point in JAM/More Responsive Reading, Jamien Cvjetnicanin, a striking young dancer with a strong ballet background, balances on her left leg–indefinitely, it seems–while her right one lifts until it’s roughly parallel with a right arm and hand extended upward, outward. The gesture changes several […]
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Growth, but at the edges
For years Nicholas Leichter had been one of those peripheral, perennial dark horse choreographers at the American Dance Festival–a gifted teacher whose student showings, occasional solo exhibitions and faculty concert contributions tantalized us with a combination of street moves, hip hop and funk, grafted with all but surgical precision onto a modern dance idiom. So […]
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in chug shuffles, riff drops, paddles and rolls
Hoofers in the house: Everyone who caught that massive tap attack Michelle Dorrance launched at Chapel Hill Ballet School’s 25th reunion has all the reason they need to catch the N.C. Youth Tap Ensemble’s spring concert this Saturday at Durham’s Carolina Theatre. She’s performing, and the award-winning student tap ensemble is doing her new work, […]
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in the words of the martyrs
in the words of the martyrs Oscar Romero arrived in El Salvador a theological conservative and a political agnostic. But in the face of widespread economic exploitation and state-backed goon squads, he turned activist. As archbishop, he became one of the leading proponents of Liberation Theology, saying, “It is the poor who should tell us […]
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in street, hip hop and modern dance–simultaneously
If you’re an American Dance Festival insider, you already know the name–and have bought the tickets. For everyone else, Nicholas Leichter‘s edgy recombinations of modern dance with street moves, club dance and hip hop have highlighted more than one ADF faculty concert in recent years. His 1999 Animal was one of the strongest works we […]
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De-evolution, Albee style
Edward Albee was sitting in with DEVO at a gig at the Temple Ball Gallery. “Are we not men?” he archly purred, his adenoidal voice all buttery vowels and cool contempt; one wrist draped over the microphone, coasting for the early crowd. All right, all right, it hasn’t happened yet. But in a sense it […]
