Julliard Dances Repertory @ Sharp Theatre

The repetoire for Julliard's Dance Program presented 3 very different styles in modern dance.  The program consisted of Murray Louis' "Four Brubeck Pieces," '84, Paul Taylor's "Sunset," '83, and William Forsythe's "One Flat Thing, Reproduced" '00.  Louis' choreography  to the classic cool jazz of Brubeck's timeless music, captures a tangible vision for music's sensibility.  The dancers move in syncopation with the score; some dancers emulate the musicicans.  The choreography is both sophisticated, cool & timelesss.  The sleek black & white striped leotards enhances the jazz.  "Four Brubeck Pieces," remains contemporary.  It is a pure expression of the joy in movement.  The music was performed with pizzazz by Julliard's Jazz Orchestra.  Taylor's piece, from '83, feels dated but  stirring in its melancholy overture. The Julliard Orchestra performed Edward Elgar's Elegy for Strings.  The choreography utilizes a more balletic style for story telling; reminiscent of Agnes de Mill's work.  The virile male dances are all in military garb with bright red berets.  They dance with bravado against the ephemeral female dancers dressed in frilly white dresses.  Some of the soldiers dancing was jocular as in Robbin's "Fancy Free." This provided a poignant contrast to the despair & grief that ensued.  The last thing on the program, was Forsythe's "One Flat Thing," is provocatively avant-garde.  The dancers rush forward pushing 3 aligned rows of tables downstage and the stage itself is bare.  The dancers move over, under, around, on top and pounding on the tables.  The synthesized arrhythmic music by Thom Willems heightens the aggressive, futuristic aesthetic.  The costumes are individualized, multi-colored street clothes.  The choreography is unique for each dancer.  The piece itself had a combative & isolating atmposhere.  Fosythe's innovative use of space and framing made a very compelling work.  I praise for all the dancers' technical proficiencies and artistic interpretations.  I also commend the students of both the Julliard Jazz & Orchestra who provided support for the Julliard Dance program.