Julliard Dance Repertory 2014

The Julliard School's Dance Dept. continues to get stronger & broader in repertoire and talent.   The 5 evenings of performance will end this evening.  The programs all contain:  "Baker's Dozen" by Twyla Tharp (1979,) "Concerto Six Twenty-Two" by Lar Lubovitc (who was present, 1986)  and "The Jig is Up" by Eliot Feld (1984.) Tharp's "Baker's Dozen" was the oldest work on the program but still felt contemporary & fresh.  The youthful pantomimes and light footing of the dancers added to its whimsy.  The dancers displayed strength & ease with their lifts.  The all white costumes were repeated in Lubovitc's "Six Twenty-Two."  The ambience of both were joyful and buoyant.  Mozart's Concerto 622 worked beautifully for the choreography for both allegros & the adagio.  The partnerings were all well suited f& complimented each other.  The Julliard Orchestra performed the music for their classmates which added to the enjoyment of the program.  The final piece of the program was "The Jig is Up" accompanied by Celtic music.  (By now, audience members have learned to return to their seats early as performances commence without fanfare.)  This piece was a colorful medley of River Dance, Irish Jigs & Celtic dancing styles.  In contrast to all white, the costumes were a kaleidoscope of greens & vivid blues with black accents.  However, the costumes were very ragtag looking even though, the  men were dashing in their fitted colorful caps.  The music was taped (I don't think the Julliard Orch. includes bagpipes.)  The energy and fancy footwork dazzled although the hand waggling behind the backs was tiresome.  This piece was a little long.  I would have eliminated the female solo whose dance  looked like a performance in the musical HAIR.  The 2014 Repertory had a lot of excitement & gaiety.  I look forward to the Senior Showcase on May 19th.