Complexions @ The Joyce

I saw Complexions Contemporary Ballet at The Joyce twice this season. They presented three programs of ballets over the course of two weeks. The Company is made up of an excellent crop of young dancers, a majority of whom joined this year. They are exceptionally skillful technicians who are bursting with passion and charisma. I was pleased to see more focus on the women during the performances. The last time I saw Complexions, the men took center stage wowing us with their athleticism, while the women sort of kicked and spun around them. I was excited about the return of Wendy Sasser White, but was promptly disappointed to find that I would not see her on stage this season. Hiroko Sakakibara and Natalia Alonso were the most exciting of the newcomers to watch, while Christina Dooling commanded the stage with her presence. All of the men were beautiful, particularly Phil Orsano and D. Gary W. Jeter, II (who both have unbelievable bodies).

The closing piece, choreographed by Dwight Rhoden, Rise was set to the music of U2 and featured an incredible array of concert lighting that blew me away--by now you'll have guess accurately that I'm a total lighting geek! I felt like I was at a rock concert with the dramatic moving instruments and dazzling light effects. I especially loved the image of silhouettes against a back lite cyc. It was a high energy piece that made me want to dance and sing along. I loved it!

Another piece choreographed by Mr. Rhoden and performed on both evenings, was I Will Not Be Broken featuring a pas de deux and breathtaking solo by Desmond Richardson with live song and text by S. Epatha Merkerson. On the first evening, the duet was performed by Sabra Perry and Juan-Antonio Rodriguez. On the second evening, Cristina Dooling and Edgar Anido danced. While Mr. Richardson was on fire both evenings (he is remarkable), it was the Dooling/Anido pairing that made me enjoy the piece. I found Perry to be technically fierce, but her performance was dull compared to glare of Desmond and her partner. Ms. Dooling, however, handled the emotion expertly and better matched Desmond's raw projection.

On the evening I saw them, Rhoden's Ave Maria (performed by Hiroko Sakakibara and Simon Sliva) and Jae Men Joo's Surface (performed by Jeter & Orsano) were two of the moving and best cast duets in the season. While Mr. Rhoden's Routines, the Forsythe pas de deux and Igbal Perry's work were forgettable.

The evenings were exceptional. I quite admire the Company's versatility and they're technical prowess. Go see for yourself! Two thumbs up!

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