The energy going into the Garth Fagan Dance performance
Friday night set the tone for the entire evening. With such a supportive and devoted fan base, it truly felt
as if the dancers were giving a gift of appreciation in their performances,
which was evident from the moment Norwood “PJ” Pennewell appeared on the stage.
The evening began with Prelude, which was a great introduction to the company for first time viewers. Starting with very precise arm and leg actions, the energy in the movement and choreography grew with lively passes through the space. Perhaps the most impressive part of Prelude was the turning sequence on the diagonals. Adding quick arms and speed, the difficulty of the chaine turns intensified and it brought excitement to the piece, which transferred to the audience.
Senku, the second piece of the program, was one of my favorites choreographically. I enjoyed the musical interpretation of both sections, “Talking Drums” and “Talk: Ms./Mrs,” and the subtle humor in the beginning of the female duet. Vitolio Jeune’s solo performance in this piece revealed how far he has come since So You Think You Can Dance. On the reality competition, Jeune was known for his incredible height in his jumps. While he still has this ability, he has become much more. In his short time with the company, he appears to have grown as a technician and a performer, a testament to the leaders of the company. In addition, Nicolette Depass and Lynet Rochelle beautifully performed the second section of Senku. The veteran GFD dancer led the conversation in a call and response that eventually brought the two together.
The other pieces in the performace, DanceCollageFor Romie, Mudan 175/39 and Translation Transition also showcased what GFD dancers are known for: extreme jumps and leaps, difficult extensions and balances and humorous interaction. As I watched the performance I kept thinking how wonderful it was to see recently added company members dancing with those who have been with the company since the beginning. There appears to be a give and take amongst the dancers and I believe the company looks better than ever.