Jacob’s Pillow, Becket, MA
through July 22, 2012
by Amy Meek
The Hong Kong Ballet’s debut performance at Jacob’s Pillow
was a beautiful and eclectic program. The company presented three contemporary
works showcasing the dancers’ technique and artistry. All of the components of
choreography, dancing, costumes, and lighting contributed to make the
performance emotionally powerful.
The first ballet, "Black On Black," by Kinsun
Chan, explored the different meanings of the color black. The dancers worked
together well, dancing in geometric shapes with grounded movements. The
dramatic music, costumes and lighting created an intense effect of beauty and
strength.
Peter Quanz’s ballet "Luminous," in contrast, had
an airy feel and sustained movements. This piece showed the complex emotions of
human relationships. The dancers, clothed all in white, alternated between
exuberance and control. The music by Marjan Mozetich was breathtaking and
communicated the feel of longing in the ballet.
The final ballet was "Symphony in Three
Movements," a work choreographed by Nils Christe. This war-inspired piece,
set to Igor Stravinsky’s score, was a display of power and technique. The
ensemble group sequences were the most intriguing to watch with the dancers in
unison through many dynamic and percussive passages.
The Hong Kong Ballet truly howed off their versatility and
talent as a company. The audience was very responsive, rising to their feet at
the end of the performance. Jacob’s
Pillow once again has given Western Massachusetts a summer season filled with
the highest caliber international dance companies.
