Young Choreographers Star In Philadanco Finale
May 4th, 2009 | By Dance Journal Staff | Category: Reviews
By LINDSAY WARNER, For The Bulletin
Premiering four new pieces at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater this weekend, Philadanco closed its 39th season on a bold, brash note — a sharp contrast to the company’s “Greatest Hits” performance last season, which felt like a recycled attempt to woo home audiences after many months spent on the road. With “New Faces,” Philadanco was back on the attack, presenting a program compiled of all-new pieces with a bold artistic statement to match.
With strongly athletic, at times androgynous and aerobic dance, Zane Booker, Hope Boykin, Camille A. Brown and Tony Powell choreographed a program of works for the energetic company that pushed its limits and showcased its dramatic physical strength. Philadanco has had a harried few years, with budget cuts threatening to derail national tours and home performances, so it was especially gratifying to see the company stepping forward strongly.
Mr. Booker’s “The Red Envelope” opened the performance with six dancers exploring the unrest, chaos and eventual catharsis of discovering a new fate or opportunity.
