Dance Review: ‘To Dance’ performed by 10 NYCB dancers

NYCB performed works by the late George Balanchine, one of the most innovating choreographers of the 20th century.

By ORA BRAFMAN
NYCBdance_311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
NYCBdance_311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
A unique collaboration between Suzanne Dellal and the Guggenheim project Works and Process, resulted in a rare opportunity to see a group of 10 dancers who are part of the illustrious NYCB, one of the finest dance companies in the world.
The program of the evening included four works but only two by the late George Balanchine, one of the most innovating choreographers of the 20th century and founder of the NY based NYCB, known for the finesse and elegance of its accomplished dancers.
The first part, by far the better half, opened with Apollo (1928) one of Balanchine earliest creations which marked his unique style fusing classical technique with syncopated, somewhat jazzed up hard edged moves, with angular gestures of the hands in particular. Apollo’s meeting with the three muses was danced to perfection and best proved Mr. B’s striking ingenuity.
In terms of brilliant dancing, Tchaikovski pas de Deux ( 1960) a seemingly more classical ballet, didn’t lag behind with the exquisite quick silver technique of Sterling Hyltin and some thrilling jumps by Stephen Hanna.
On the second half of the program, the dancers performed more contemporary works; Junk duet by Twyla Tharp, which gave a chance to see other choreographic flavors as did Shanty (2007), by Tom Gold. The last piece, choreographed for the whole group, did indeed insert some Indian shades to the dance and a measure of merriment, yet, remained within mundane boundaries, with very little added choreographic value. Choosing this light weight piece had indicated, perhaps, that whoever chose the repertoire for this visit was underestimating the ability of local dance audience in our corner of the Middle East, to chew on more substantial delights.