Dennis Ancinec

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Dance Commentary: NTC Dance Place
SAN DIEGO BALLET
Hosts Choreographic Creations

05/13/07

Photo by RA

Once again, San Diego Ballet Co-Directors Robin Morgan and Javier Velasco have showcased up-and-coming young ballerinas and new choreographers in a program titled Choreographic Creations at their ‘In Studio’ facilities at the new NTC Dance Place.

In presenting ten (10) pieces, it would be expected for the works offered to be (perhaps) ‘uneven’ in development, which then made the reality of seeing these expectations exceeded, a very pleasant surprise. So, it was with the choreography of Jessica Reed in SLEEP ON (as danced by Angie Bevevino) the foundation of classical ballet not forgotten, but enhanced with modern dance

touches and free flowing; likewise, 9TH WAVE as choreographed by Elena Baltovick and danced energetically by Arielle Meads (exhibiting good technique, good acrobatic skills, and a bright stage presence). Watching all of these well-trained, talented young ballerinas seemingly bursting with a desire to dance, dance dance, I cannot help but wonder-a-bit (without denying the

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absolute need for choreographic creations of new works) I felt that here the choreographers sometimes got in the way of the dancers expression of freedom, makes sense (?) well, it’s the way I felt!

Following intermission, two choreographers were featured, Elizabeth Updegraff and Claire Torres with two pieces submitted each. In the former’s THE TRIANGLE INCIDENT (obviously the most researched dance piece of the program) showed a considerable amount of attention to both interesting movement as well as classic ballet beautifully danced, but, the announced-to-be anticipated drama and power of this historical incident failed to materialize, the ‘drama’ was just not there! In Updegraff’s second piece CELLO SONATA (in C) it was delicious in the presenting of soloist Kirsten Heinrich, a strong dancer, more mature, and showing more ability than what I believe the choreography gave to her.

Now, Claire Torres (also on staff with the SD Ballet) was able to utilize dancers actually from the San Diego Ballet Company stable, illustrated perfectly with dancer Leda Pennell (in a piece titled FROM ANOTHER SUMMER) who manages to show technique-a-plenty while remaining body-supple, free-flowing and not allowing the often classic ballet training structure to impair her expression of dance, dance and dance! I suppose one could say (saving-thebest-for-last) that Claire Torres brought together dancers Abby Avery, Meghan Evertz, Chelsy Meiss, Kirsten Thorne and Bernadette Torres into a piece titled I’VE NEVER BEEN with lovely (Yanni-style) music by Yann Tiersen. This was a treat as the dancers and choreography (for the first time) really came together as a solid work, much to the joy of the invited guests. It was a fitting close to a delightful Sunday afternoon ballet presentation!

Email Rob Appel at Bravosandiego@aol.com