John Jasperse’s ‘Tides’ Shines at La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival
Performance Overview
The premiere of John Jasperse’s Tides marked a mesmerizing beginning to the 20th anniversary of the La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival. The performance opens with a captivating line of women in black dresses, led by Jodi Melnick, who draws the audience’s attention with an enchanting blend of grace and commanding presence. Melnick’s movements, complemented by fellow performers, evoke a sense of allure and mystique, enhancing the overall theme of the piece.
Artistic Inspiration and Collaboration
Tides showcases a distinctive connection to a legacy in contemporary dance, featuring Melnick, Vicky Shick, and Cynthia Koppe, all of whom share ties to Trisha Brown, a foundational influence for Jasperse. This generational bond is reflected in the participation of emerging dancers Maria Fleischman and Jace Weyant, who have trained under Jasperse and Melnick, suggesting a continuity of mentorship and artistic evolution.
Musical and Visual Elements
The score by Hahn Rowe adds an intriguing layer, blending unusual sounds with electronic beats, while Ben Demarest’s lighting design accentuates various segments of the performance. These elements combine to enhance movement sequences that oscillate between structured choreography and spontaneous exploration, making Tides one of the standout works of the year.
Festival Context and Additional Performances
While Tides presented a polished commencement to the festival, the subsequent performances reflected a different dynamic. Jesse Zaritt and Pamela Pietro’s dance for no ending pushed experimental boundaries but ultimately missed the mark in delivering a cohesive experience. Their attempts to engage the audience through diverse methods, from physical props to ironic commentary, fell flat in terms of entertainment.
Exploring Emotional Themes
Jordan Demetrius Lloyd’s solo piece, Mooncry, tackled the theme of emotional expression but appeared underdeveloped. His focal points, including audience interaction and personal anecdotes, suggested potential that was not fully realized. In contrast, Megumi Eda’s solo Please Cry, addressing the complexities of intergenerational trauma, provided a poignant narrative through engaging multimedia elements.
A Hidden Gem: Nic Gareiss
One of the festival highlights was Nic Gareiss, a talented step dancer known for blending Irish and Appalachian traditions. Gareiss stood out with his collaboration with violinist Alexis Chartrand, where they created an intimate auditory experience. Their performance gradually unfolded with subtlety, allowing for an exploration of traditional dance forms within an experimental setting.
Conclusion
The La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival continues through the weekend, offering a mix of established choreographic voices alongside emerging artists. While Tides illustrated the strength of contemporary dance through its innovative choreography, the festival also reflects the ongoing evolution and experimentation within the dance community, highlighting both triumphs and challenges.
