Pittsburgh artists love Sidra Bell as much as Bell seems to love Pittsburgh.
Born and raised in New York City, Bell laughs and says, "Pittsburgh reminds me of New York, back when New York was cool." And she adds, "I can say that, because I grew up there."
What she loves most about Pittsburgh and the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater is the "old grandeur" and the up and coming arts community that is still evolving.
Her words come as a relief. As Pittsburgh is often still portrayed as a steel town with hard hats and smog, it is nice to know that a visiting artist recognizes the budding arts community and emerging talent in a changed city.
Bell is no stranger to Pittsburgh. This will be her third time performing here. In January she spent just four days of a week-long residency working on her group dance, "REVUE," and presented it as a work in progress. Since then, she has been working with her company, Sidra Bell Dance New York (SBDNY), on expanding the piece.
The work will be performed as a series of thirteen episodes. As for a defining characteristic or through-line, Bell says she is still working on it. Another relief. In contrast to contemporary dance that sometimes hits us over the head with theme and storyline, Bell is less interested in traditional story. The message of the show seems to be an after-thought, much less important than the feeling or mood.
The show, she says, generally deals with the deconstructed idea of life as a stage, or being watched. The piece includes a quirky cast of six characters who find themselves in precarious situations - like a very small woman in very big high heels. She describes the show as "burlesque-y," with vaudeville themes and sketches.
Bell's work is highly costumed and dramatic, and is noted for its strong emotional content ranging from humorous to melancholic and romantic. Oftentimes, viewers comment on the strength of the women in her company. Although her work is not specifically about the female experience, she says that her voice as an independent, self-starting woman does come through.
In a dancer, she looks mainly for intelligence and strength. With a BA in History from Yale and an MFA from the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance, we can see why. Similar to a Tim Burton movie, where mood, theatrics, costuming and magical characters leave lasting impressions, Bell's work is far from ordinary. Her work is actually quite unforgettable.
"REVUE" runs Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th at 8:00 p.m., Kelly-Strayhorn Theater.
Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance, $15 for residents of 15206 and $10 for students with valid ID. $10 tickets for artists are also available with reservation - contact: info@kelly-strayhorn.org.
Purchase advance tickets HERE.
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