A Gala Evening of Contemporary Dance and Classical Ballet
Waterfront Studio
8pm, Monday 17 November 2008
CityDance08 delighted a full audience at the Waterfront Studio on a cold wet night in November with an eclectic mix of eleven performances of specially choreographed classical ballet performances and innovative contemporary dance.
I enjoyed this gala night in general, but most of all the work that was put in by the disability group, especially the inclusion of so many participants… the choreography with wheelchairs etc. The dance expression of the Scottish group was fantastic. I felt very touched by both groups. Ruth and her group’s energy were simply fantastic. Mayte and her contemporary Latin input made me feel very proud.
It is great to see that the Crescent Arts Centre is giving the opportunity
to persons of all abilities to create and adapt new art forms.
Cony
The programme ranged from the Crescent Second Chance Ballet Company performing short pieces from “La Bayadere” to “Swan Break”, an urban interpretation of dance performed by Ruth Cowley-Glass and Crescent Hip Hop Dance Group.
Directed by Jenny Elliott, Orbit Dance performed a spellbinding new work of integrated dance entitled “Peeling Away”. Jenny also directed Company Maine who performed their new dance work “Cushion Cover”.
CityDance at the Waterfront was a brilliant theatrical experience, the dance pieces were of a very high standard. The Laban based pieces were emotionally engaging and uplifting – the staging and lighting really enhanced these pieces. The night was a good mix of light and shade. It was great to see the youth dance, there were some really excellent performances. The night was seamless and watching the performances made me want to dance again. I feel there was a really good range of different dance practices showcased on the night and the talent was showcased excellently.
Victoria
High energy and highly focused dance came from CRAIC Theatre Youth Dance group Vivacity with their new contemporary dance piece, “Verve” choreographed by Sheena Kelly.
Crescent tutor and Clown Doctor Jennifer Jordan was joined by her sons Jack and Max in the humorous “We Got The Nettle Fairy?” with music composed by husband Ken Jordan, Ulster Youth Jazz Orchestra Director.
The Belfast Ballet Club has been based at the Crescent Arts Centre for more than twenty years and delighted the audience with their beautifully styled and gloriously costumed classical ballet.
Maiden Voyage Dance Company presented ‘Autumn’ a short solo performed and choreographed by Nicola Curry, inspired by a poem by Rilke; an atmospheric and exquisitely choreographed contemporary dance piece.
Blanca Maytee Segura Santibanhez, a member of Crescent Contemporary Dance, performed a solo piece “Neruda”, an exciting and dramatic work underscored with influences from Latin American contemporary music and dance.
A fantastic, wonderful, amazing night’s entertainment. Yet to use the word entertainment is, in some way to belittle it, for it was so much more than that. It was at times humorous, at times intriguing, sometimes mesmerising, sometimes sublime and often deeply moving. Well done and thank you to Citydance 2008 and all who danced in her/it!!!
Fra
The Crescent was delighted to welcome Glasgow-based Indepen-Dance Company with “Just 2 good pals ”. This integrated company, like `Orbit Dance, specialises in performances projects for adults with learning disabilities and their carers. This performance moved and delighted the audience and the dancers received a rapturous applause. A fitting finale to the Crescent’s CityDance08.