Last night, we were privileged to enjoy a ballet at the Joyce Theatre.

When I first heard that we were seeing a ballet, I imagined it would be a similar experience to the ballet I saw as a child, The Nut Cracker. I don’t remember many the details from that performance however, entering a fancy theatre, seeing elaborate costumes and carefully choreographed dances do still stand out in mind.

Like I said, I don’t really remember much about The Nut Cracker but I do know for sure that “Complexions” was absolutely nothing like it. Of course, I had fair warning; Prof. Eversley told us in class that this modern dance would be the opposite of a classical ballet experience and the article “Modern Dance Primer” by Jessica Moor did explain this as well. But still, it’s hard to believe it until you see it.

Moor writes, “All classical elements of ballet—defying gravity, seamless grace, adherence to form—are challenged in modern dance.” I saw this myself when I was watching the dancers stomping, falling and dancing on the floor and abandoning form for much looser motions. In addition, Moor explains, “While the ballet dancer faces the audience, the modern dancer uses all orientations.” I would say this served as a major advantage for our class, since our seats were positioned on the side.

Prof. Eversley also taught us that these dancers would not be wearing elaborate costumes, rather they would be dressed in a way that focused on the body. This is because classical ballet tried to make you forget the body by having you focus and movements and form, while modern dance wants you to remember you are watching people. The individuality of the dancers was definitely present, which I did find quite beautiful. I noticed that two of the dancers had tattoos, which I think added to the “modern dance” because I assume in a more classical setting, makeup artists would insist on covering the tattoos.

Overall, I can definitely say this Ballet was a new and experience and I am still left in winder from the talent I witnessed last night.