BWW Reviews: Buglisi Dance Theatre Raises Social and Political Issues at the Joyce Theatre

Buglisi Dance Theatre, a company founded and directed by former Martha Graham dancer Jacqulyn Buglisi, celebrated its 20th anniversary show this past week at the Joyce Theatre. The second evening of the show on Wednesday night, February 6th,was comprised of four of Buglisi's works and a solo, Zjawa, choreographed by guest Katarzyna Sharpetowska.

The evening's show brimmed with technically beautiful dancers, dramatic costumes and lighting. Hints of Buglisi's Martha Graham lineage were very present throughout. Another fresh aspect of this show was the intense and emotive performance the dancers provided throughout; especially founding company members Terese Capucilli and Virginie Mecene who were also Graham dancers. They both exuded performance qualities that are rare in today's dancers.

While the evening's dances were beautiful and lovely to watch, a few moments in the show brought up certain questions for me. In many of Buglisi's dances the men act as support for the women, creating beautiful sculptures of limbs and fabric. In Threshold, choreographed by Buglisi in 1991, the male dancer, Kevin Predmore, spends the entire piece lifting and manipulating the female dancer, Virginie Mecene. While this duet is extremely beautiful and touching, towards the end of the piece I felt that I wanted to see more of Predmore's own ability. In Caravaggio Meets Hopper, choreographed in 2007, there is a moment where the men have their own section of virtuosic dance, which is strong and athletic, yet gorgeous, and leaves you wanting more. However, throughout the rest of the evening the only time the men appeared was with the entire company on stage or when lifting the female dancers'. While the lifts are beautiful and add presence, I can't help but wonder why such talented and technical male dancers are used for the sole purpose of lifting the female dancers.

Related Links

BWW Reviews: Liminality and Buglisi Dance Theatre at The Joyce by Emily Vetsch - February 13, 2013

BWW Reviews: Buglisi Dance Theatre Raises Social and Political Issues at the Joyce Theatre by Stephanie Deere - February 11, 2013

WORKING WOMEN, PILOBOLUS and More Set for The Joyce Theater's 2013 Spring/Summer Season January 29, 2013

THIS IS FOREVER To Receive World Premiere Production at The Joyce in 2013 November 29, 2012

Steve Margoshes' THIS IS FOREVER To Receive World Premiere Production at The Joyce Theater in February November 20, 2012

Stephanie Deere began dancing at the age of three at Studio C in Los Angeles. She continued to pursue her passion and attended the University of California, Irvine as a dance major. Stephanie studied under notable choreographers such as Donald McKayle, Loretta Livingston, Jodi Gates, Lisa Naugle, Molly Lynch, and Michele Gervais. Stephanie graduated Magna Cum Laude with her BA in dance and a minor in management and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in dance. Currently, Stephanie lives in New York City, teaches dance, choreographs, performs with various companies and groups in the area, and is a company member with Undertoe Dance Project. She is very excited to be a part of this blossoming community of dance in New York City.