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Washington Ballet & Transformer Gallery present "Snow Globe." Photos: Robert Gandy
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Transformer Gallery and the Washington Ballet partnered to open 2010 with "Snow Globe" in a multi-disciplinary display of talent.
Inside Transformer's cozy space, artists Jessica Cebra and Zach Storm worked in icy blue-green hues and collage to create the interior of a snow globe world. In addition to the swirling artificial cotton ball snow caught mid-drift, the crystals and glaciers were speckled with Kinkade-inspired miniature trees. The simple use of collage, cardboard, wintry colors and other found materials helped convey an innocent sense of wonder.
Completing the enchanted world, Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre choreographed a series of pieces with some of the institution's finest. Their graceful movement was evocative of a million swirling snowflake and with music box simplicity was absolutely enchanting.
What made the performance and installation so successful was two-fold:
One, the dancers were sealed in the gallery while the audience watched through the window, making a snow globe of enormous scale and recreating the the child-like wonder and beauty of the liquid-suspended blizzards of our youth.
The other was, after the performance, the audience was invited to enter the gallery, that world inside the globe, and participate in that frozen-in-time moment we've held in our hands. Having the audience step in to the wonder that they witnessed is a spark of childhood dreams come true.
On the crowded sidewalk outside the event, spectators of all ages, some with small children (or even small adults) on their shoulders watched the show in the chilly night.
Neighborhood resident Megan Riley said it was an "interesting concept, being outside viewing in." Riley is a frequent participant in D.C.'s vibrant arts community and said, "It all blends together in a good way. We're very lucky."
Spectator Bruce Stein said simply, "Phenomenal." He added, "I'm a ballet fan and I've known this space from day one."
The performers were Washington Ballet dancer Andile Ndlovu, and members of the Washington Ballet Studio Company - Jasmine Dwyer, Ayano Kimura, Tamako Miyazaki, Yuka Oyoshi, Jong-Suk Park, Alexandra Pera, Sarah Walborn and Kensuke Yorozu.
Executive & Artistic Director Victoria Reis was outside with the sometimes jostling crowd, handing out information and helping coordinate the show. "We have pretty packed openings," she said. She said the idea of creating a snow globe inside Transformer came at a conference and was delighted by it. Rightfully so, as the concept was brilliantly executed thanks to everyone involved.
"Snow Globe" will be at Transformer until February 20, 2010, and visitors will be able to see the Washington Ballet performance projected on to the "glaciers" thanks to the video documentation of Rory Sheridan.
For More Information:
Transformer Gallery
www.transformergallery.
1404 P Street, NW Washington, DC 20005
202-483-1102
Washington Ballet
washingtonballet.org
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