Fringe, Reviewed: BalletX at Bridgette Mayer Gallery
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
"More part of a live art exhibit than a ballet, Villaverde danced, at times rigorously."
[ dance ]
BalletX at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery
Attended: Tues., Sept. 9, 7 p.m.; closes Sept. 14/sold out; tickets may be available at the door
Modern Ballet with a musical twist : BalletX, with musical accompaniment by Murmuration, performs improvisational solos inspired by some of the 400 original paintings on display in the gallery’s annual benefit exhibition — a showcase of artists from around the world that supports BalletX’s work in Philadelphia.
WE THINK:
Dancer Richard Villaverde writhed to a live trumpet in Washington Square West as septuagenarians enjoyed a rare night out at the crowded opening night of BalletX with Murmuration, an improvisational chamber music trio, at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery. The gallery’s white walls were lined with hundreds of square paintings for sale, some bright and colorful, others stark and thought-provoking (see the black and white of a ballerina holding a gun). As audience members entered the long narrow space, the urge to move forward spurred most of them towards the back of the gallery. But where was the dais? Where art thou stage?
Chanel No. 5 combined with confusion as Murmuration was heard before seen. Making do with just two Murmurs, vocalist/trumpet player Andrew Marsh and violinist Russell Kotcher strode towards the back of the gallery, where a sea of people shifted their weight, hot but intrigued. Villaverde remained too far away for many to see, but Murmuration could be heard by all.
“I didn’t understand why there was a shirtless boy dancing. I didn’t understand but my back hurt,” sang Marsh robotically.
More part of a live art exhibit than a ballet, Villaverde danced, at times rigorously, to the trumpet or softly alongside the violin. As the performers parted the crowd and moved towards the front end of the gallery, Villaverde slowed his movements, paused, and framed a woman’s face with his tanned hands, gazing deeply into her eyes. Beads of sweat flung onto unsuspecting audience members.
BalletX promises to vary each night, featuring different dancers and a rotating cast of Murmuration musicians. A non-traditional performance held in a conventional art space, the collaboration of modern dance and improvisational chamber music created an artistic meditation for everyone in the gallery. And then a cell phone rang. Was that part of the performance?
