NYC Ballet World Premier: Liam Scarlett's Acheron

Last night marked the World Premier of Acheron, commissioned for the NYC Ballet Co.  British born choreographer Liam Scarlett entered the Royal Ballet School at age 11.  As a student he won the Kenneth MacMillan & Ursual Moreton Choreographic Awards.  In '05 Scarlett joined the Royal Ballet and retired in '12 to become the 1st Artist in Residence for the Royal Ballet to focus on choreography.  Also on the program was Bigonzetti's Vespro ('02) & Preljocaj's Spectral Evidence ('13).  The 3 ballets shared several similarities.  The dances began without musical accompaniment, all used vocal accompaniments that were of disservice, and the lighting was dark and somber.  Mark Stanely did the lighting on all 3.  Scarlett did the costume designs as well as the choreography for Acheron.  The men were all shirtless with white/purple leotards & the women uniformly attired in unattractive strapless  petticoat dresses in white/purple.  Scarlett's choreography, however, had much to praise once you got past the clarion organ music which sounded like an intro to Phantom.  There dancers were lying on the stage or standing frozen too much of the time.  The lovely paus de deus were danced in amongst the prone figures.  The dancing eventually soared with surprisingly innovative lifts that were thrilling.  Sara Mearns & Adrian Danchig-Waring's partnering was sensual & silky. The entire ensemble was superb.  Acheron is a nouveau piece with much to recommend & admire.