Juilliard Dances Repertory 2012

The Julliard Modern Dance performances were held at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, March 28-31st.  The choreographers were Jose Limon, from Mexico, Nacho Duato from Spain and Ohad Naharin from Israel.   Mr. Limon who passed away in 1972.  His dance, the Waldstein Sonata, was completed posthumously by Daniel Lewis.  The Waldstein Sonata was the only piece accompanied with live music.  Pianist Yuxi Qin played Beethoven's Sonata #21.  Unfortunately, the pianist was the highlight of Limon's choreography.  Perhaps, that is why Limon left this piece unfinished.  Both Duato's Gnawa and Naharin's Secus made Limon's piece appear both dated and dull by comparison.  I enjoyed the dancing in Gnawa despite some hokey trappings of lit candles and a water/animal soundtrack.  Naharin's choreography was like nothing I have ever seen before.  I wouldn't know how to describe the infinitely varied movements and dance steps.  The only repetitive gait was a stoic march on and off the stage.  The dancers shifted their clothing to pose and display parts of their bodies, proclaiming dance is the art form which utilizes the body as its instrument with endless, creative possibilities.  I didn't want the dancing to end.  I'm betting the Julliard student's dancing careers are only just beginning.