Contemporary Choreographers program is a triumph

Reviewed by Steve Sucato A clap of thunder and the sound of howling winds hailed the four dancers who appeared out of darkness, emerging into the spotlight upstage at Point Park University’s George Rowland White Performance Studio. The startling opening of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre corps de ballet dancer Cooper Verona’s “Very Instinctual” set the tone for an impressive ballet packed with surprises. The work opened … Continue reading Contemporary Choreographers program is a triumph

A Captivatingly Magical ‘Nutcracker’

By Steve Sucato News Contributing Reviewer Perhaps more than just another holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker” ballet is for many like a dear old friend you see once a year or so who, remarkably, never ages and whose warmth never fails to conjure fond memories. For a child seeing “The Nutcracker” for the first time, it is an enchanting experience like no other – one whose … Continue reading A Captivatingly Magical ‘Nutcracker’

Spellbound Contemporary Ballet Opens First U.S. Tour with a Program Showing Brilliance but Lacking in Variety

Reviewed by Steve Sucato The old adage about too much of a good thing being undesirable was evident in the program Italy’s Spellbound Contemporary Ballet presented to open their first “official” U.S. tour at Cleveland’s Ohio Theatre at PlayhouseSquare Center. Without equivocation the 9-member troupe from Rome was breathtaking in artistic director/choreographer Mauro Astolfi’s exquisite contemporary ballet choreography for each of the works on the … Continue reading Spellbound Contemporary Ballet Opens First U.S. Tour with a Program Showing Brilliance but Lacking in Variety

Rapids Rising

By Steve Sucato Grand Rapids Ballet Company is experiencing a renaissance. An ambitious new repertoire, record-breaking sold-out performances, and a renewed local buzz have revitalized the 41-year-old company. Its resurgence came about with the arrival of former Pacific Northwest Ballet star Patricia Barker as the company’s new artistic director in 2010. In just a few seasons, the first-time director has taken GRBC from a little-known … Continue reading Rapids Rising