Ballet Hispanico and Panel Discussion at 92ndY Harkness Dance Center

The Fridays at Noon 92ndY Harkness Dance Center started the fall season with a joyous celebration with The Ballet Hispanico Co. The Dance Co. performed two numbers followed by a panel discussion with Artistic Dir. Eduardo Vilaro and choreographer Bennyroyce Royon.  The intimate space on the 2nd floor was lit by sunshine filtering through uncovered windows and Latino music playing while the audience filtered in.  The 1st piece, "Sombreisimo" was choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (b. Belgian 73).  The 6 male dance members with their bolero hats (a wink to both Belgian artist Magritte and choreographer Bob Fosse) were  dynamic, sexy and playful.  Their partnering and interchanging of their hats had a whimsical elasticity and connection.  Choreographer Bennyroyce Royon introduced his work "Homebound/Alaala" saying this was only the 2nd time he's shown the work which will premiere at the Joyce in March.  He said it's an exploration of his Philippine heritage under Spanish colonization.  The score was an assemblage of Latino, Middle Eastern & African music and the dancing a blending of classical/modern and various cultural styles.  The rough props made of cardboard boxes and cardboard cutlery gave the piece a raw sense of development.  The imagery of building & tearing down walls portrayed both divisive and resilient forces.  The panel discussion after the 2 energetic pieces included Mr. Vilaro, Mr. Royon and a male & female dancer. The discussion provided the audience an incredible insight into the creative collaborative process.  In particular, Mr. Royon explained what he was striving to achieve in space and artistic expression and how he worked both with the liberties allotted him by Mr. Vilaro and the expansiveness he absorbs from the dancers while molding & fulfilling his vision.  The dancers shared their compassionate focus to achieve technical proficiency while allotting a freedom in both movement & expression essential to transforming dance as an art form.  The intimate performances were exhilirating.  The candid open dialogue was a master class from the multi-disciplined artists comprising Ballet Hispanico. This was an enlightening & privileged experience.  I plan on seeing Ballet Hispanico at the Joyce this spring.  I also look forward to upcoming Fridays at Noon at 92Y.  The Harkness Dance Center programs provide not only top professional companies, they allow for an intimate appreciation of artistic collaborative experiences.  Oct. 19th will feature a tribute to Paul Taylor.