Complexions
As I researched about Martha Graham and Isamu Noguchi’s collaborative works, I was totally not in the mood for modern dance. I found it to be very boring and incomprehensible. So when I arrived at Joyce Theater, I wasn’t too excited. I thought we would watch weird and sophisticated chronographs. So, I asked Nate to wake me up after the show is over when we got to our seats.
As I was preparing to make myself comfortable for a nap, the curtain cleared and performances began. Without even knowing it, I was already on the edge of my seat, fascinated by the movements and skills of the dancers. We sat so close up that we could hear the breathing of the performers; maybe that was the Martha Graham’s “Contraction and release” technique. The performance was very powerful in movement and the performers exquisite cooperation and skills really indicated their relentless hours of practices. There were clear distinctions between the New Orleans students and professional performers. I still loved the students’ performances as they, too, were skillful and high in sprits.
I was also genuinely surprised to hear modern genres of music, instead of classical traditional ones. I was pleased to hear Muse’s Feeling Good in one of their performances. It’s also hard to say which piece was my favorite, as I loved all of them. Even though I could not fully understand their works, I could sort of feel what they were trying to express. But like people loving Gangnam Style without understanding a word Psy’s saying, I loved every piece of Complexions without much understanding.
“Complexions” was a sensational astonishment for me that flipped my perspective in ballet and modern dance upside down. I really appreciate the opportunity that was given to me.
Posted: November 20th, 2012 under Modern Dance.
