Coming off its recent Artys Reader’s Choice “Best Dance Production/Performance” selection for 2008’s Surfaces, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company steps up to the plate to knock another one out of the metaphorical modern-dance park with its season opener.
Equilibrium might be a perfect title for such an odd compilation of modern dance work. Admittedly, it can be hard for companies to come up with a cohesive theme when assembling such programs. This time, RWDC is begging you to just try and maintain your aesthetic stability as you sit down to watch seven different pieces from seven different choreographers, six of which are new works and four of which are part of a reality television-type competition.
In the competitive fray are local choreographers Kay Anderson, Eric Handman, Erik Stern and Doris Trujillo. All four were directed to create a short, tongue-in-cheek piece centered on the idea of social change. Audience members judge the winning piece, which will receive a monetary award and a slot in RWDC’s touring repertoire.
Other highlights on the bill are a Carolyn Carson work, a new piece by Charlotte Boye- Christensen and a world-premier by the 2009 Tony Award-winner and “Punk Ballerina” herself, Karol Armitage.
No matter how discombobulated you may feel walking out of the theater, there are obvious benefits to such a program. Where else could you see so many new, vibrant and diverse pieces?
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company: Equilibrium @ Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, 801-355-ARTS, Sept. 24-26, 7:30 p.m. ArtTix.org
