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"Tonight we summoned spring"- Review for Boston Ballet's triple bill SHADES of SOUND.

Recently I was invited by the Boston Ballet to review their triple bill Shades of Sound that features three distinct works: Chroma (choreographer Wayne McGregor), Episodes (choreographer George Balanchine) and Black Cake (choreographer Hans Van Manen). Summoning musical vibes from renowned greats like Tchaikovsky as well as modern day influencers like the White Stripes and boasting one of the “largest groups of Boston Ballet Orchestra musicians” ever this show is as much about sound as it is about dance.  In order to paint a proper picture for fellow newcomers to the contemplation of ballet such as myself I would like to speak about what resonated with me.

Wayne McGregor - CHROMA

I’m inspired by creative excellence, both the process and the end result, the artist and the song, film, painting or screenplay they create, regardless of the musical genre or creative discipline. When others flow and move with only the current, British choreographer Wayne McGregor swims with a tide of his own creation. He’s a force whose movements you’ve probably already experienced if you happen to like music, dance, film or visual art as this man’s work can be found everywhere and rightfully so. If you don’t believe me or the New York Times claim that McGregor is "doing some of the most exciting work on the planet" venture down this rabbit hole of awesome. Wayne McGregor is the choreographer for Chroma and this fact alone warrants a visit to the Boston Ballet. 

EPISODES

I’ve seen Episodes twice now and I have to admit the second time around I was prepared to not “get it” yet again. I was not looking forward to it. My first viewing was the dress rehearsal and I came away thinking the collective movement was too busy consisting of too many fits and jerks. This time it was completely different. Fits and jerks became rhythmic fits and perfectly timed bursts. I could not have been more wrong with my first interpretation. Episodes was in fact a presentation of dance where each performer displayed almost mathematical maneuvering and precise control of their body, literally not skipping a beat. It was during this energized performance, made even more fantastic by it’s musical score that I knew winter was ending and lost all worry it wasn’t.   

 CONCERTO, OPUS 24 (Episodes)

Rarely an envious man am I, tonight my composure would be tested. Simultaneously embraced by five powerful women, experts in their craft, I have yet to be and here is where principal dancer Paulo Arrais found himself. Despite the initial appearance of this arrangement of bodies this short sequence was not necessarily about him and more appropriately about principal dancer Lia Cirio, Maria Alvarez, Ji Young Chae, Corina Gill and Brittany Stone.

Quickly I surmised a suitable premise for this sight before me; playful troop occasionally grants a trusted friend to borrow their fellow sister in dance to earn his keep and attempt to pay his way with passion rarely disturbing the troops pursuits. And in the time it took me to come to that premise the sequence was over. It was short, it was sweet, neither mishandled or overdone. It was perfect and I was filled with envy. 

BLACK CAKE

"ASHLEY's MARCH" (Ashley Ellis and Lasha Khozashvili) 

Ashley Ellis could be described as a spoiled kitty or unconquerable lioness when she marches across the stage overcoming Lasha’s resistance. Her hips twist precisely, each high step just as pronounced as the last, defiantly outstretched arms not to the sky but more deliberately risen just above the shoulders like an aggressive swan. This stance alone, this quick struggle for power should be posterized as the new symbol for the equal pay and gender equality movements and every young girl should see it in action.  

HANS VAN MANEN 

Perhaps thats why “In 1996 the Dutch COC awarded him the Bob Angelo Medallion for "the way in which he portrays men and women, human relations and sexuality in his ballets and photography… which can aptly be named liberating in every way”. It makes sense that displays of human strength can be found even within the playfulness of the mostly lighthearted exchange. For the moment let me assume choreographer Hans Van Manen determined that this spirit must make this journey, to assert herself and pitch her own ideas to a typically less welcoming board of male executives and against the wishes of her male colleague (Lasha Khozashvili).

Pair a vivid imagination such as mine with an impervious display of individual progression such as her’s and anything is possible. Isn't that one of the perks of the arts?  

The audience has the right, if they also possess the ability, to wander between narratives and context in the vast depths of their mind. To be inspired and entertained without disturbing their closest neighbor. We can interact with what’s presented to us however we choose and after an historic winter, trapping most of us indoors for the greater part of a month I recommend an act of spontaneity to anyone this finds.  

My question to you next time you’re planning a night out why not visit the Boston Ballet instead of heading to a movie sequel, prequel or 4th installment of a franchise that was best served with one telling? We all fall into the same routine. I do it myself.  After all I'm just a man who was invited to review a ballet and thank the heavens I was. I left the ballet relaxed, yet invigorated and creatively inspired. This began as a creative assignment and who knows where it will end.  Shades of Sound is light and airy, rambunctious and intense and because of this well designed concoction by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen on this night we turned our nose up to an historic winter. The company danced, the audience agreed and together we summoned the spring. You have exactly three shows between now and Sunday to do the same.

written by James Mahaffey  james@tangibletransmedia.com @Tgbl_Transmedia

Boston Ballet Shades of Sound: Chroma, Episodes, Black Cake 

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Feels like summer after the February we had.

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Last night didn't disappoint and began with a four course dinner (compliments of the kitchen) at Nomad Bar on 28th. More on that later. The night ended late (or early) depending on how you look at it and I guessed things have changed. I remember when I was young and invincible in #NYC and could go till 4 and do it all again the next night. I'm not as strong as I used to be so this time I was wisely equipped with my men's multivitamin, vitamin C and aspirin and it was all necessary. Digested those bad boys while walking. Slept till 2pm before even contemplating leaving the hotel today. So tonight's adventure begins now. Just powered up with a vitamin packed smoothie. Carpe diem! (at InterContinental New York Times Square)

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Back in the city. #NYC #happybirthday #tooManydrinks #letsgo!

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Teaching her sister some of her tricks.

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#SaturdayMornings #PostPancakes #Family #BestpartyinBoston #sisters #becomingaNinja #FrontlinesofFatherhood #citydads @BostonDadsGroup

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...and then it started snowing again. #thisissomebullsh!t (@roboogs voice)

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The sidewalk made a brief appearance earlier tonight for the "first time in forever🎶" #Frozen #Boston #millionthFrozenreferencethiswinter

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Just a few more HOURS of this. #snow #Boston #southend #blizzardneptune Just like #TheDayAfterTomorrowmovie

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This is less about being cute and more about practicality. Every min counts when the 3 of us are getting ready in the AM and she takes the older sis thing seriously and has from day 1. #sisters

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  Meet black influential designer, Willi Smith. Don’t know the name? Well let’s get familiar. Smith is known as one of, if not,”the most successful black designer in fashion history.” After dropping out of Parsons Smith went on to further his career in design creating his menswear WilliWear. He’s the mind behind Mary Jane’s Wedding dress in the Spider Man comic and the classic looks on Spike Lee’s School Daze. By the 80’s his designs for various labels sold in over 500 shops worldwide and grossed sales of about $25 million per year. Unfortunately, Smith’s departure from us came too soon in 1987 due to complications of AIDS. Gone, but never forgotten we salute Willi Smith for giving us a stepping stone into the world of fashion. Happy Black History Month Mr. Smith!

 “I don’t design clothes for the Queen, but for the people who wave at her as she goes by.”- Willi Donnell Smith

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l e g e n d a r y

Omg. Joy has been returned. Life received.

Michael joins Diana on stage and sings “Up side down” with her, and Diana sings “Rock with You” together with Michael

Dope

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#snowday #lunch #sisters

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The Day after Tomorrow (Boston version)

I could jump out our window and land safely at this point. #snow #Boston #southend

A photo posted by James (@mrjmahaffey) on Feb 9, 2015 at 5:51pm PST

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SOLD OUT (9 DADS) ----"Dad & Me" Winter 2015 Session 1

Congratulations you did it!  Well she did, but you were right by her side.  Now you’re all home and the real journey has just begun.  The first 3 months of parenthood can be extremely fulfilling, yet challenging at times for not only the baby or new mom but for new dads as well.  This class is an opportunity to:

-find your place in this new equation -bond with your baby -adjust to the ever changing reality of fatherhood -find ways to help mom during this time -decompress -and share your experience in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment with fellow fathers and their newborns.

Nothing is off limits during these sessions.  We will discuss everything from swaddling to sleep deprivation, shared caregiving to career adjustments.  The role of the father is evolving right before our eyes and as dads we’re on the frontline of the most significant mission one could face -raising another human being.  So bring your bundle of joy (and noise) and let’s navigate this stage together.  We will learn, grow and be lead by our common desire to be the best father’s we can be.  Moms are irreplaceable.  Fathers are too.

 REGISTER