DANCE REVIEWS
Afro-Brazilian, Hip-hop, Modern, Circus – Compagnie Kafig Does It All
In Compagnie Kafig’s San Diego debut last Wednesday, the first piece, “Correria,” demonstrated the all-male company’s energy and range, which goes way beyond hip-hop to include circus, Afro-Brazilian as well as contemporary dance, the Brazilian martial art form capoeira, and terrific theatricality. But it was with “Agwa” that Kafig created a rapturous, holy artistic experience.
Read MoreJean Isaacs at 70, Celebrates with Impressive Concert
Ms. Isaacs looked radiant in a flowing white pants suit and remarked, “I am proud of my age.” The adoring audience interrupted her by singing “Happy Birthday.” After the event, County Supervisor Dave Roberts declared it “Jean Isaacs Day,” and a full celebration continued upstairs till midnight.
Read MoreHip Hop “Nutcracker” Features Menacing Mice, Best Party Scene Ever
Forget about cute little mice in the battle scene. In “A Culture Shock Nutcracker,” the rodents are rats in slashed tights, creeping in low like a street gang, wonderfully nasty. This hip hop take on “The Nutcracker” ballet gets a lot right its first time out; but there’s room for some redos the next time around.
Read MoreBoos and Bravos for 2013
At the end of our first full year of operation we thought it would be fun to provide a look back and some of the high and low-lights of the past year.
Read MoreTel Aviv Dance Fest Rewires My Nervous System … and Ripples to San Diego
Seeing the International Exposure contemporary dance festival in Tel Aviv made me feel as if my nervous system got disconnected, and I had to create new neural pathways. The best of the Israeli dance makers are that good. And guess what? This work is rippling out to San Diego.
Read MoreCalifornia Ballet’s Old ‘Nutcracker‘ Needs a Makeover
As we watched the production on Thursday (Dec. 19) at the Civic Theatre, my companions and I were struck by the old faded sets and costumes. The choreography was even less inspired than I remembered from 2011.
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