Reviews of Dance Me Music of Leonard Cohen With Ballets Jazz Montreal
Review: Ballets Jazz's Dance Me a grandly executed tribute to Leonard Cohen
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Trip the light fantastic Me
Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal
February. 23-24, Southam Hall, National Arts Heart
Reviewed Fri
Trip the light fantastic toe Me, the riveting new Leonard Cohen-inspired slice past Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, is a grandly executed hodgepodge of functioning fine art that pushes the entertainment value of contemporary dance closer to the level of a rock concert or big-budget musical.
For BJM, nether the creative management of Louis Robitaille since 1998, the 14-dancer piece of work is an important addition to their repertoire, designed as a signature slice they can tour effectually the world. Begun before Cohen's death, it took a couple of years — and a reported $500,000 — to produce, débuting in Dec as part of Montreal'due south 375th anniversary celebrations.
The 80-minute, no-break slice is built on a lovingly assembled playlist of Cohen'south songs, former and new, including his biggest hits and some poetry, with a couple of interesting live versions reminding the states of the vitality of his live performances. Despite the melancholy tone of much of Cohen'south material, the human definitely had his ain unique groove, and that'south what drives this piece.
No fewer than 3 European choreographers — Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem — created dances to translate each song, which may be part of the reason information technology all feels a flake over-the-top. Likewise many cooks in the kitchen, perhaps?
The pace is bustling with athletic prowess that demands every ounce of forcefulness from the visitor's muscular and focused dancers. You lot won't believe the number of outstretched limbs, overhead lifts and flying leaps that fit between the notes of Cohen's music.
The action too includes plenty of writhing and group contortions, perhaps exploring themes of sexuality, bloodshed and gender politics, with costumes that veer from classic white shirts and other menswear items, to sturdy underwear garments unencumbered by pants.
In improver to the physically demanding choreography, the production sports some technological tricks, including video images, digital furnishings, audio clips of Cohen's voice and a cool segment that incorporates vintage typewriters. While some of these add nuance to the character of the slice, others only seem gimmicky.
One bold move is to feature performers who sing. The dancer who sang So Long Marianne in a strong merely delicate voice was a squeamish surprise, although the gentleman who tackled the iconic Hallelujah was no Jeff Buckley.
Also lacking was a sense of Montreal, Cohen's hometown and his refuge, an atmosphere that could have been established with video images, and would accept given BJM a chance to expose the creative middle of their city while on tour.
Despite its shortcomings, Dance Me is an expertly executed evening of entertainment, highlighted by a wonderful soundtrack and and a jaw-dropping level of athleticism. Friday'due south audition loved it, repeatedly calling the performers back with an extended standing ovation.
Source: https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/local-arts/review-ballets-jazzs-dance-me-a-grandly-executed-tribute-to-leonard-cohen
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