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AUDIENCE REVIEW: Response to NYCB "Dances at a Gathering" and "Everywhere We Go"

Company:
New York City Ballet- Performed at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center

Performance Date:
Friday Oct. 11th, 8:00 pm

Freeform Review:

My classmates and I were able to get comp tickets for an evening at the New York City Ballet! Before this night I had only seen them perform classic Balanchine masterpieces such as “Jewels” and “Swan Lake” so, getting to see live works by renowned choreographer Jerome Robbins and the considerably new choreographer in residence Justin Peck was a treat. As previously hinted, I am not thoroughly educated on the works done by NYCB so, I will do my best to give an honest and unbiased opinion of the works.

The show opened with Jerome Robbins’ “Dances at a Gathering”. The witty, lovey-dovey spirit and pastel, flowy costumes created a lighthearted atmosphere in which the audience adored. The beautiful Chopin pieces played by piano soloist Susan Walters accentuated the charming ambiance. When Lauren Lovette came out in her gorgeous pink dress, her coordination and delicate gestures were surely wowing. Then, when Sara Mearns emerged for her fierce solo the audience was nodding their heads in admiration. Both principal woman stood out onstage with a more confident, mature, and captivating presence. I appreciated the Robbins tradition that was represented quite wonderfully through this entertaining piece by the dancers. 

There is a certain ‘hype’ about Justin Peck as a young choreographer in advertisements and the media. So, I had enlarged expectations of what his piece was going to be, especially since “Everywhere We Go” is one of his most performed and celebrated pieces. The contrast of the backdrop, costumes and music was a strange yet exciting disagreement. It created a clashing environment onstage that I think was meant to work with the more frantic choreography. The patterns of choreography were mapped out very well and the evolution of the piece could be followed well from beginning to end. I think the preconceived notions I had regarding Peck’s choreography left me wanting something even more innovative and exciting. However, the shift NYCB has gone because of Peck is a thrilling and important one for the evolution of ballet. 

Both pieces ran around 60 minutes in length but, were never dull. I respect the hard-work done by the dancers as both pieces had intricate movements and overall enjoyed the evening at the ballet!

Author:
Michaella Barron

Photo Credit:
Photo by Paul Kolnik. Dancers: Maria Kowroski and Robert Fairchild. https://www.nycballet.com/ballets/e/everywhere-we-go.aspx