Fri 5/17 + Sat 5/18
By Elsa Johnson & Victor Lucas
Fresh Inventions is Verb Ballets’ annual in-studio showcase of works-in-progress choreographed by the Verb dancers. The choreographers and dancers have only a short time to set and rehearse their dances so when we stopped by the Verb studios on Mon 5/6/13 things were still in flux and it was far too early for us to see finished works.
What we saw instead was an atmosphere that was at once relaxed and efficient as the choreographers set movement and the dancers executed what they’d been given.
We watched Ryan De Alexandro, wearing his choreographer’s hat, working on a group passage that centered on a solo danced by Leslie J. Miller. “Can you do it this way?” asked De Alexandro, demonstrating a turning, space-covering jump. Miller made demure noises and did it that way, very nicely; she has a bigger, better jump than we’d realized.
De Alexandro reviewed the choreography with the group using names that he and the group used to aid memory. “Shampoo,” “sexy time,” and “kick, kick.” The mix of contemporary dance and ballet vocabulary was daily bread to the dancers; once a passage was set they could do it right away with what we found surprising precision.
At 1:55pm the dancers took their hourly 5-minute break and Brian Murphy set up music for his dance, another group piece but this one apparently centering on a pas de deux between himself and Stephanie Krise with Krise on pointe.
Also choreographing for Fresh Inventions, some for the first time, are Kara Madden, Leslie J. Miller, Rebecca J. Nicklos, and Or Sagi.
And also participating in Fresh Inventions are a number of interns from the Cleveland School of the Arts. From what we saw of these interns, taxpayers, your dollars have been well-spent. Julia Horner and Toryon Abner fit seamlessly into this professional rehearsal, demonstrating their excellent work ethic and partnering skills.
Fresh Inventions is a rare opportunity to see the Verb dancers up close and personal in their home studio and “speaking” in their own choreographic voices. Act quickly, for seating is limited.
Fresh Inventions, Verb Ballets’ annual in-studio showcase of new works-in-progress; 4 showings in all on Fri 5/17 & Sat 5/18, 2013 at 7:00pm & 8:30pm on both nights. Donation suggested. Verb Ballets’ studio is at 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44122. Reservations are required by calling 216.397-3757. http://verbballets.org.
From Cool Cleveland contributors Elsa Johnson and Victor Lucas. Elsa and Vic are both longtime Clevelanders. Elsa is a landscape designer. She studied ballet as an avocation for 2 decades. Vic has been a dancer and dance teacher for most of his working life, performing in a number of dance companies in NYC and Cleveland. They write about dance as a way to learn more and keep in touch with the dance community. E-mail them at vicnelsaATearthlink.net.
Shaker Heights, OH 44122