The Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company – Review
The Joyce Theater in Manhattan is currently featuring an engaging program of contemporary ballet and modern dance. “Complexions” (the Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company) showcases five contemporary ballet pieces, choreographed by the company’s artistic directors, Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, celebrated African-American choreographers who have created a stimulating program of contemporary ballet that entertains as well as challenges the senses. The masterful interplay between the dancers – an evenly mixed number of males and females – performing against a stark, black backdrop and set to music by varied composers – Johann Sebastian Bach as well as Jimmy Scott – is a fulfilling evening of dance. The diverse dancers bring a welcome difference to their storytelling, not as readily seen with the New York City Ballet or American Ballet Company. The performances are intriguing and captivating, set to music that is at once delicious and fierce. “Cryin’ to Cry Out” was performed to the melodious sound of Jimmy Scott, Ella Fitzgerald and Shirley Horn, while “Ballad Unto…” uses a rigid Bach piece to encase its interpretation of relationships. A feature of the night was the performance by choreographer Desmond Richardson who executed a masterful solo number with the “Imprint/Maya” piece. I particularly enjoyed the performances of two of the female dancers – Ashley Mayeux, a willowy Black woman whose movements were fluidly flavored with just enough soul, and Youngsil Kim, who caught my attention with her distinct Asian beauty.
- My Dreamed Visit to Kenya Fulfilled - 10/10/2017
- The Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company – Review - 11/25/2015
- The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution - 09/23/2015