Written by Sandra Martinez for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photos: David Gonsier
Headshots: Courtesy of Ariel Grossman
REVIEWER RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
ARIEL RIVKA DANCE: A DECADE OF PROVOCATIVE DANCING
NEW YORK, NY (September 7, 2017) Last night, the all female ensemble of Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD), began the celebration of its tenth anniversary with performances at New York Live Arts.
The showcase, which runs from September 6 – 9, included ARD signature pieces as well as performances by Taylor 2, Chanel DaSilva (Trey McIntyre Project, MoveNYC) and Michael Philips (RIOULT Dance NY).
Led by married choreographer/composer team, Ariel Grossman and David Homan, ARD is committed to creating work with new music that explores emotionally driven movement with underlying currents of technique and structure.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of Ariel Rivka Dance. It’s rather humbling to reflect on the dancers, collaborators, children, and audience members that we have impacted this past decade.”
The compilation of works included two world premieres: GOZE – a group of visually impaired Japanese women who worked as musicians, traveling from village to village in small packs, by Michael Phillips; and Piazzolla Caldera by Paul Taylor featuring the dancers of Taylor 2. Piazzolla Caldera gives us a look at the culture of tango, the predatory dance that originated in the brothels of Buenos Aires at the turn of the 20th century.
The most recent of Grossman’s works, No Words (2017), celebrated its New York premiere and the first time Homan performed live on piano in five years. Commissioned by the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), No Words was inspired by the poem Fury: In Praise of Stone, by Janet R. Kirchheimer and Jaclun Piudik as well as current events.
“It was in reaction to a particularly charged moment in our country. We processed uncertainty and frustration through dance. We have found that a movement dialogue has helped us channel fear, frustration and confusion into something impactful,” Grossman said.
Also receiving its New York premiere is Undertow, another work commissioned by NJPAC, brings to life the flowing fauna, mysterious sea life, and powerful force of the undertow that controls it all.
Classical works by Grossman were set to original music by Grossman’s husband/composer David Homan. Holly is an emotional solo performed by a different dancer each night demonstrating athleticism and grace. Variations on a Box, has the full ARD company of eight dancers explore the constraints of shape and sound. And, Four Concerned explores the many faces of friendship through intricate partnering among four women.
Dedicated to empowering and supporting fellow female choreographers, Susan by Chanel DaSilva, is a three-section piece driven by a passionate score, including vocals, tap dancing and percussion, striking a balance between chaos and order.
Based in New York/New Jersey, ARD is committed to creating work with new music that explores emotionally driven movement with underlying currents of technique and structure.
For more information about Ariel Rivka Dance, visit: ArielRivkaDance.com
