Vail International Dance Foundation Ambassador Katherine Sayre Reviews UpClose: Premieres

This past week’s performance showed how diverse the dance world really is. “UpClose: Premieres” at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek was incredible.

Opening the show was ‘Archetypes.’ Emery LeCrone’s new piece was unbelievable; I couldn’t take my eyes off of the stage. The formations were precise and the stage space was used to the best advantage. The lifts all looked effortless and beautiful. ‘Shoe Wither Revival’ was next. Richard Siegal’s choreography was very interesting. The piece had chain reaction and the dancers showed shapes in their movement. The sharp and sometimes soft movement went perfectly with the music. Then, ‘3 Movements and 4 Repeats’ premiered. Christopher Wheeldon’s choreography had everyone on their feel applauding once again. The piece started with all the dancers doing different movements in dark lighting. Each movement complimented each other in a different way. All the movements were soft but striking. ‘The Music Coming Through Me’ was fun yet meaningful. The lights and smoke made the stage look intense and the live music made a different energy for the piece. Lil Buck and his crew’s sharp isolation used every beat of the complex music. ‘Gravity Heroes’ closed the show. Trey Mclntyre’s choreography is very unique and abstract. I love how original and surprising it is. His choreography also tells a story so everyone can relate. His piece tonight had props; balloons, confetti, and piñatas. The level changes and jumping also made ‘Gravity Heroes’ thrilling.

Trey Mclntyre has another performance at the Ford Amphitheater Friday August 12th at 7:30pm. Tickets are selling fast for this breathtaking contemporary ballet so the sooner you get them the better! “Upclose: Premieres” was an astounding show and I can’t wait to see all of the last few shows for the 2011 Vail International Dance Festival.