Friday night’s celebration at The Garage was like attending a very cool San Francisco party -- there was even a surprise on-stage dinner after the performance! Founder Joe Landini served as the ticket taker, light/sound guy and was rumored to be the dishwasher. More importantly, though, he was a welcoming host who curated the show bringing in 'only people he’s known for at least a decade’ to celebrate the anniversary of ’his baby’.
The result was a lovely evening and a beautiful celebration. A short film by Maxine Moerman and Daniel Konhauser featured one of the Dance Ceres dancers in the following piece (I'm so sorry I can't print their names, but there wasn't a program...if anyone knows, please leave a comment w/the info and I'll add it). Because the evening was so informal, and the artists, choreographers, etc. were present, audience members got to ask questions directly, such as ‘what was that instrument in the last part of the film?“ Composer Konhauser was only too happy to answer something to the effect of a child’s piano...who knew?
The members of Dance Ceres performed a lovely piece that was a treat to watch from so close. You know it’s a good seat when you can see sweat and hear breathing.
Two of the younger dancers in Todd Courage’s company performed a piece called Pinpoint. I wasn’t a fan of the Courage pieces I saw last fall at the ODC; however, Pinpoint was a triumphant multi-dimensional piece set to an eclectic score that included traditional Scottish music (similar to that in Araks Fashion Week 08 show) with a voice over by Courage. He has a gorgeous voice, riffing elegantly and eloquently on life, love, turning fifty and how the relationship with his dancers has changed over time…fascinating to have a peak behind the curtain. I hope he considers submitting the audio to NPR…it would be perfect for one of their programs and a real treat for dance fans.
Bravo and kudos for all those involved with the anniversary celebration. There are still tickets available for today’s performance (with a different line-up of performances) for $15 TIX booth @ Union Square, online at brownpapertickets.com or at the door.
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