It was a sold out energetic crowd that crowded into the Breen Center for the Performing Art’s Hummer Theater as Verb Ballets featured works of Chung-Fu Chang and Richard Dickinson. It was an evening of exceptional artistry as the eight members of Verb Ballets and Chung-Fu Chang danced with complete abandon in front of over 500 cheering members of the audience.
The evening began with the world premier of Chung-Fu Chang’s solo work “Pheasant’s Writing” that highlighted his exceptional dancing and storytelling skills. Using the music of Jan Garbarek, the superb lighting artistry of Parker Stegmaier with lighting adaption by Trad A. Burns and a projected painting of Chung-Fu Chang in the background, Chang filled the stage with his presence and ended the work to thunderous applause.
The second piece was also a world premier entitled “Four Last Songs” that was choreographed by Richard Dickinson to the music of the same name by Richard Strauss and influenced by the poetry of Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. The exceptional lighting was designed by Tad A. Burns with costumes designed by Mr. Dickinson and Janet Bolick. The four movements tell the story of a young couple’s loving relationship through the spring, summer, fall and winter of their lives. Stephanie Krise and Brian Murphy starred as the loving couple and they portrayed all that is great about contemporary ballet. I have to admit that at times the combination of dance, lights, music and theme had many of the members tearing up, including me. It is a gentle, lovely piece with many elements of classical ballet.
After a short intermission, the full cast returned to perform “Lily” that is based on the legend of Baleng of the Rukai tribe (one of the indigenous tribes of Taiwan). This piece was originally commissioned by Verb Ballets 2011-12 season. This story could be considered a mini-opera of dance. It has all the classic elements. There is a forbidden love, battles, a fair maiden, a disguised snake who woos the fair maiden, more battles, a grand wedding and the married couple disappearing into the lake. This is an extremely high energy piece with amazing leaps and dances. Kara Madden and Jarrod L. Sickles are exceptional as the principle dancers and the performance simply takes your breath away.
After a short pause, the final piece of the evening was performed. This was the world premier of “Borrowing Winds” with choreography by Chung-Fu Chang. The piece is made of three parts, “Cave of Winds”, “Kites” and “Pleated Waters”. The piece owes its origin to a Chinese classic novel, “The Romance of Three Kingdoms” which is the tale of battle between the armies of Sun Quan of Wu and Lie Bei of Shu. The music was Japanese drum music performed by Ondekoza that added a percussive intensity to the work. Costume design was by Chung-Fu Chang with costume construction by Janet Bolick.
Following the show, there was a dessert and wine reception at The Transformer Station located at 1460 West 29th St. in Cleveland where patrons and dancers had a chance to mingle and talk over a couple of glasses of fine wine and great deserts. It was a sweet ending to a sweet performance.
The evening was a perfect balance of dance philosophies from the East and West and left one with a better understanding of both. If you were not one of the fortunate to see this performance, I would suggest keeping tabs on Verb Ballets via Facebook or their web page (you can also sign up for their e-newsletter, “Verbiculture”). Judging by the reaction of those in attendance I feel assured that these pieces will be performed again and again.
The Dancers
Stephanie Krise, Kara Madden, Leslie J. Miller, Rebecca J. Nicklos, Ryan DeAlexandro, Brian Murphy, Or Sagi and Jarrod Sickles.
The Technical Crew
Trad A. Burns, Lighting Designer; Benjamin Gantose, Lighting Designer; Barbee Thomas, Assistant Stage Manager; Janet Bolick, Costume Designer; Dr. Margaret Carlson, Director; Richard Dickinson, Rehearsal Director and Choreographer; and Chang-Fu Chung, Choreographer.
Upcoming performances of Verb Ballets are:
Honoring Poll
March 8, 2013
8:00 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre
The audience takes the stage at the Akron Civic Theatre as Verb Ballet presents “Honoring Poll”. The unique cabaret seating in the historic theatre will add greatly to the auspiciousness of the occasion. The program will include Heinz Poll’s “Eight By Benny Goodman” and “Duet” as well as a new work by former Ohio Ballet dancer and ballet master, Richard Dickinson.
Tickets: $25 On Stage Seating
Call 330-253-2488 or go to akroncivic.com
Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony
March 21- 23, 2013
7:00 p.m.
Cleveland Public Theatre
It’s an evening of dance fused with electronic music as Verb Ballet collaborates with The Cleveland Chamber Symphony.
Tickets: $10 Thursdays, $25 General Admission, $22 Student/Senior
To order call 216.631.2727, x501
The Rite of Spring
The Bride Unseen
April 18-20, 2013
7:00 p.m.
Cleveland Public Theatre
It’s the story as old as time itself as the bride surrenders her life and dreams to satisfy the needs of her family by agreeing to an arranged marriage in a new ballet choreographed by Richard Dickinson.
Tickets: $10 Thursdays, $25 General Admission, $22 Student/Senior
To order call: 216.631.2727, x501
Call 216.397.3757 to order! Or Click Here to Buy Tickets Online Now!
Major sponsors of Verb Ballets include AHS Foundation, Akron Community Foundation, Bike Cleveland, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, The City of Shaker Heights, The Cleveland Foundation, Findley Davies, Inc., Gay Community Endowment Fund Of The Akron Community Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Kulas Foundation, The Laub Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The McGregor Foundation, Kenneth Milder, John P. Murphy Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council, and Shah Capital Management. Individual sponsors include Jeri Chaikin, Millie L. Carlson, Chuck and Ann Ennis, Fred Lauzenheiser, David R. Pierce, Alan Miles Ruben and Robert M. Shwab. Additional sponsors: Baumgarten & Company, LLP; Cedar Hill Communications; FITWORKS; WCLV; and WCPN/Ideastream.
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