This weekend has been such a big barrel of fun and culture, but isn’t this what life is supposed to be about? The Northern Cherokee Nation 2014 Homecoming Pow Wow is still in my thoughts and reflections.
Today we saw Choregus Productions presents Martha Graham Dance Company. It was truly a stunning collection of dances which showcased Martha’s vision, the talent of the dancers and the true show-stopping performances you can look forward to from Choregus this 2014-15 season.
Martha Graham has been a leader in contemporary dance since founding Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926, and her vision is why they are celebrating their 88th season this year.
They started Lamentation (1930) which is a one person dance where the dancer is practically in sitting position the entire dance inside a tube made of jersey material. It was one of the most hauntingly beautiful four minutes of dance. Martha has previously stated the piece is about mourning.
The next piece was Diversion of Angels (1948), and it showcased the group’s talents and Martha’s vision of the different stages of a woman’s life.
The third piece was Errand in the Maze (1947), and it happened to be one of my favorites. It is described as “loosely derived from the myth of Theseus, who journeys into the labyrinth to confront the Minotaur, a half man and half beast.” It is a two person dance and Martha sending a female in to do battle with the Minotaur is pure genius. The dance and costuming for this were stunning and haunting at the same time.
The fourth piece was Echo (2014) that debuted in March of this year was Clay’s favorite of the night, and I can see why. It was very modern but still help true to the Martha themes that were becoming apparent throughout the night. It is a sexy dance mixture and haunting in its beauty of the exploration of oneself, love and beauty.
The final piece was The Rite of Spring (1984) which Martha, I believe, was 89 years old when she went back to work on this piece. It is an intense piece of work, one where a community of people is trying to pick a girl who will do a dance in hopes of having a good spring crop. But the dance is no ordinary dance, it is a dance to the death. It follows the community, its leader and the girl as she struggles against her fate and the torment which comes which comes with it. A truly moving piece.
Once again, I have to say we are a city bathing in culture. If you live in or near Tulsa and you think we do not have cultural events for almost anyone, then I would have to say you are sadly mistaken. Tulsa has first rate, top quality events taking place here, and are recognized on a global scale.
For more information on Choregus Productions, and their upcoming 2014-15 season, please check out their website and Facebook page. This is our second season with Choregus, and we are in awe at their quality, contemporary dance troupes.
We have more news of our weekend adventures, but you will have to wait until tomorrow’s blog to read all about it.
Have a peaceful night!
Johnny Bryan Ward
Today we saw Choregus Productions presents Martha Graham Dance Company. It was truly a stunning collection of dances which showcased Martha’s vision, the talent of the dancers and the true show-stopping performances you can look forward to from Choregus this 2014-15 season.
Martha Graham has been a leader in contemporary dance since founding Martha Graham Dance Company in 1926, and her vision is why they are celebrating their 88th season this year.
They started Lamentation (1930) which is a one person dance where the dancer is practically in sitting position the entire dance inside a tube made of jersey material. It was one of the most hauntingly beautiful four minutes of dance. Martha has previously stated the piece is about mourning.
The next piece was Diversion of Angels (1948), and it showcased the group’s talents and Martha’s vision of the different stages of a woman’s life.
The third piece was Errand in the Maze (1947), and it happened to be one of my favorites. It is described as “loosely derived from the myth of Theseus, who journeys into the labyrinth to confront the Minotaur, a half man and half beast.” It is a two person dance and Martha sending a female in to do battle with the Minotaur is pure genius. The dance and costuming for this were stunning and haunting at the same time.
The fourth piece was Echo (2014) that debuted in March of this year was Clay’s favorite of the night, and I can see why. It was very modern but still help true to the Martha themes that were becoming apparent throughout the night. It is a sexy dance mixture and haunting in its beauty of the exploration of oneself, love and beauty.
The final piece was The Rite of Spring (1984) which Martha, I believe, was 89 years old when she went back to work on this piece. It is an intense piece of work, one where a community of people is trying to pick a girl who will do a dance in hopes of having a good spring crop. But the dance is no ordinary dance, it is a dance to the death. It follows the community, its leader and the girl as she struggles against her fate and the torment which comes which comes with it. A truly moving piece.
Once again, I have to say we are a city bathing in culture. If you live in or near Tulsa and you think we do not have cultural events for almost anyone, then I would have to say you are sadly mistaken. Tulsa has first rate, top quality events taking place here, and are recognized on a global scale.
For more information on Choregus Productions, and their upcoming 2014-15 season, please check out their website and Facebook page. This is our second season with Choregus, and we are in awe at their quality, contemporary dance troupes.
We have more news of our weekend adventures, but you will have to wait until tomorrow’s blog to read all about it.
Have a peaceful night!
Johnny Bryan Ward
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