Breaking Ground 2007: An Adequate Show to Wrap Up the Year

On December 7th, I was graciously invited to watch the dress rehearsal of Breaking Ground 2007, a choreographic conglomeration of “emerging and established” choreographers that were selected by an application and panel process organized by CONDER/dance. The nine pieces chosen were indeed diverse and interesting making an overall thoughtful and stimulating show.
Work was present by company’s Casebolt and Smith, CONDER/dance, Aaron McGloin Dance, Temenos Dance Collective, and 32 Flavors Dance Company, as well as individual choreographers Leonard Wood, Kristen Tovson, Martha E. Howe, and Wendy Ellis.
Casebolt and Smith premiered “Table For Two,” an incredibly clever duet performed seated at a table. The choreography, consisting entirely of gestures, took the concept of gestural movement to an astonishing level. Each movement was precise and provides the audience with a subtle, but readable message. The two work together flawlessly, showing their complete awareness of each others time, space, and energy. Even though the two were moving in a small amount of space (within the seating and table limits), never once was there a bonking of the hand on the edge of the table, or an accidental elbow to the face. The duet was never boring, predictable, or uncertain. As soon as one concept registered to the observer, they would unexpectedly change up the gestures keeping the spectators laughing and wondering what’s coming next.
Another work that caught my attention was Leonard Wood’s “Grunt.” Although the solo itself was not ground breaking or stunning at first glance, due to his superior use of all the elements to craft a piece, everything was clear and pleasant to watch. His choreography, text, music, costume and performance of character all blended together perfectly making his concept comprehensible while entertaining. His decision to speak in a raspy, weathered voice made the audience whole-heartedly understand the life of this character. His beige slacks and button up shirt demonstrated how average this man is. The sharp, staccato movement exemplified his daily repetition. And the music, a jazzy, swanky, easy-going tune, created an alternate personality for this struggling character. All around, the work was enjoyable piece, relatable to every human being.
“Moving Target” a premiere piece from CONDER/dance, Breaking Ground 2007’s host company, was a visually appealing work that played with musicality concepts and forceful imagery. Although the choreography was dynamic, large, and shapely, the company seemed less focused and aware of each other than I have seen in performances past. Generally their unison and partner work is flawless and it’s bewildering how well the company fits together. The space on the stage seemed far too small for eight dancers that all have large energy and kinespheres. They looked confined and squished. Otherwise, the construction of the piece was lovely. The relationship between the movement and music was very unexpected and although the space was small for the dancers, choreographically the use of space was very interesting. For instance, there were moments when the stage was divided into a slower movement section versus quicker movement, yet the music seemed to accent each side of the stage appropriately.
There were two pieces that stood out from the rest of the show as weaker, both from a choreographic and performance aspect. “Les Images De Temps (Images of Time),” choreographed by Wendy Ellis was a stark and simple duet, that turned out to be predictable and dull. Every transition was expected and nothing was a surprising due to the audible breath on every movement. The live piano was very eerie and intense, but unfortunately the movement and the performance did not compliment the atmosphere created. In addition, “The Rush,” choreographed by Meghan Bingle and performed by 32 Flavors Dance Company was a large group piece with eleven dancers, that also suffered from the confinement of the smaller stage. There were a lot of spacing issues such as dancers running into each other and the wings. Overall, this piece seemed a little under-rehearsed due to the inconsistencies from dancer to dancer and the poor display of unison for music with a driving beat. For example, while some would be holding a position with a bent knee, others would have the knee straight. While some would be on up on the toes, others would not. One girl even seemed confused as to what the intension of the piece was. While the rest of the company had an intense focus, she smiled and smirked at the audience. It was very clear the music had counts with specific beats the movement was intended for, but the accuracy was not completely there.
Nine pieces, nine different choreographers, nine very different intensions and themes. It certainly was a diverse show making Breaking Ground 2007 an interesting and exciting to experience. I do believe this concert is a great way to begin a series of Breaking Ground concerts. Hopefully CONDER/dance continues to collaborate with other artists to produce choreography showcases.