Thinking out of the niche

Leigh Witchel furthers our discussion on the (sidelined) place of dance criticism in mainstream journalism: ?I’ve had a similar conversation with Alexandra T. over at Ballet Alert. If I recall the substance of it correctly, she maintained...

Other takes on West Wave

For those who caught the West Wave Dance Festival and would like an alternative to my impressions, let me steer you to some excellent sources. Voice of Dance offers Allan Ulrich on programs three and four. Meanwhile the Dance View Times has...

Still ailing

West Wave Dance Festival program #4 Cowell Theater, San Francisco August 1, 2004 The shingles took me down a few more notches than expected. I had to skip Mary Armentrout?s show Friday–actually, I showed up at 7:45 only to learn the show...

Damning with fulsome praise?

Allan Ulrich jumps into the discussion about Octavio Roca?s reclycling with his usual ferocity. Allan takes seriously the charge that Roca?s actions smear critics as a class: ?Nevertheless, any lapse in ethical standards on the part of one critic...

The Bolshoi Theatre?s director general proclaims that British audiences actually loved the new ?Romeo and Juliet.? The critics only panned it ?because the Bolshoi Theatre had broken classical stereotypes and created an unusual ballet.? And the...

Here’s some enticing programming: City Center’s first annual Fall for Dance Festival will showcase 30 companies ranging from Rennie Harris Puremovement to American Ballet Theater–and cost just $10 per evening. Will this bring...

Points I wish I’d made . . .

Allan Ulrich writes about the West Wave Dance Festival?s second program in more depth than I?ve offered here. One statement that rings true as gospel for me: ?What was notably encouraging throughout the sold-out program was a return to movement...

Every step tells a story

Joan Acocella brings her literary insight to what I consider exemplary coverage of Lincoln Center?s Ashton Celebration: ?A note of charity pervades many Ashton ballets, as does charity?s frequent partner melancholy. To that combination add...

Rage without revelations

West Wave Dance Festival Program 2 ODC Theater, San Francisco July 24, 2004 I can?t think of a better way to jump back into the San Francisco dance scene than to rush right over to the West Wave Dance Festival, which is what I did Saturday night...

New York choreographer Doug Elkins may have lost his company, but he hasn?t lost his naughty edge. His latest work, created for Santa Barbara Dance Theater and unveiled at Summerdance Santa Barbara?s closing showcase, is titled ?Love Comes in...