Carmina Burana

The storm passed, a show was cancelled, but the electricity and excitement that permeated the three other shows more than made up for having missed one.

Bach Cantata No. 10 and Carmina Burana thrilled sold-out audiences with quiet beauty and their powerful dancing. Nashville Ballet absolutely delighted the audience and showed what can be done when great direction exists within the organization. Superb dancers brought Paul Vasterling’s vision to life, and by the time the last chord of O Fortuna had faded, everyone in the audience was on their feet clamoring for more and praising the amazing dancing they had just seen.

After the performance, people were walking on a cloud. Although all parties involved – UMSL Orchestra and Singers, Bach Society of Saint Louis, The St. Louis Children’s Choirs, the dancers – have been lavished in praise, we are already being asked what we are going to do to top that incredible event. To all those wondering, I say, “Worry not, we shall deliver over and over again.”

We hope if you did not see this event, that in the not-too-distant future, we shall be able to bring it back to you in all its majesty. I am sure our audiences would appreciate seeing it again. I am sure the over 200 artists that graced our stage would love an encore. 

So, all of us at Dance St. Louis could not be happier to have delivered what we knew we would. We could not be happier that thousands came to see it and filled every seat at the Touhill, and we cannot be more thrilled to follow up this event with one just as magnificent in a different way. New York City Ballet MOVES comes to the Fox Theatre this weekend. Two shows to view some of the most treasured dancers in the American dance scene. If you were with us at Carmina, join us for New York City Ballet MOVES. If you were not at Carmina, do not make the same mistake twice – rush to purchase your ticket. The FOX will be the fabulous environment where these artists will shine.

 See you there.

This year is coming to an end…

It was the last weeks of December and all through Dance St. Louis all creatures were stirring including myself.

The year is coming to an end but for us it is a continued flow as budgets for next year are being presented, programs are being devised, advertising campaigns are being put in place and hope is eternal.

 Since arriving back from my trip to Paris, my dance experience has ranged from the ridiculous and upsetting to the divine and praiseworthy.

 I ventured out to see The Moscow Ballet Nutcracker that was presented at the Peabody, fortunately for just one show. It was one of the most atrocious productions I have ever seen. It was devoid of any magic, with sets that did not define a time or place and with costumes that seem to have been rented without any sense of style. Its young dancers, presumably Russian, are certainly enjoying being in America but their refinement left much to be desired.

 What was more upsetting was the use of close to 70 young kids, all eager and full of stars in their eyes. Like children, they performed with a sense of magic. Too bad they were only there to fill the seats of the theatre with parents and grandparents purchasing tickets regardless. The Nutcracker should be a marvelous experience and the story should flow. The music, which was canned and an insult when the top prices were $85, should make you want to hum and dance. I am sorry, but we work hard to establish an awareness of what is good in dance and this was a step back in the culture of St. Louis.

But, there is always redemption and I flew on a Sunday to Chicago to view Hubbard Street’s last concert where works by Aszure Barton, Armando Cerrudo and Mats Ek were being performed. What joy! What talent! What greatness!

 The dancers excelled at every ballet. Their fluidity and stage presence enhanced every movement. They had complete control of every gesture. The audience was spellbound and so was I.

 Aszure’s piece was a delight of the senses. It was fluid, imaginative, rich in texture and never disappointing. I could have left the theatre after her work and felt fulfilled.

 Cerrudo’s two works seemed to be almost a filler. Though brilliantly danced and each very good as independent works, they somehow did not quite fulfill me.

 Mats Ek’s work was another thing. Did I like it? Not sure, but I could certainly not dismiss it. Images, some disturbing, surprisingly appeared from what was some incredibly inventive choreography. A disturbing piece and yet enlightening by the mastery of the art form it chose to convey itself. 

 No sooner then when the curtain dropped, I was running to the Orange Line to catch my Southwest Flight to St. Louis.  Once in town, one more Nutcracker awaited. I was thrilled to see the improvement of the dancers of St. Louis Ballet. Some new scenic elements and ideas were added that improved the production but I still wish it would have been more magical. It lacks being carried out as if through the eyes of a child. Regardless, I felt more compelled by this showing of St. Louis Ballet than I had in years past, great tribute to the dancers Gen Horiuchi has surrounded himself with.

 Now I fly Frontier to visit my Daughter, her Partner and my grandchildren. I think another Nutcracker awaits.

 So, until next year. Thank you for making this year so memorable and I hope you will join Dance St. Louis on another Magical Mystery Tour of dance.

Bonjour: My trip to Paris

Flying to Paris over Thanksgiving was a special treat. I was heading to attend a special presentation, by a choreographer based in Belgium, of a work of hers as a study of The Green Table, a Kurt Jooss creation of 1932 that was defining work in the lives of my parents and subsequently my own.

We arrived three hours late but had no rush. A van took us through small crowded streets to a charming little hotel we picked from the web in the Marais neighborhood. Could not have picked a better location. Walking distance from La Bastille, a block from the subway, and for Flor, just up the hill from incredible little stores that on Sunday before we left, stayed open late and the all the streets surrounding them were devoid of cars or any engine traffic.

We managed to catch the Paris Opera Ballet in Nureyev’s “Don Quixote”. Huge production with steps to every note and sets and costumes to break anyone’s budget. It was fun to watch. Flor was ecstatic, i never really liked the ballet but some good dancing made up for my being totally unattached from the insane plot of the work.  Could not wait to get out as the streets of Paris beckoned.

We saw beautiful art work at the usual places, managed to visit all the spots that although we had both been in Paris before, we felt we wanted to see again. The days were mostly cloudy and with some rain giving the city a special sheen. Bridges filled with locks professing peoples love for one another took you across the seine. Flea markets awaited on Sunday but were disappointing. Stopped by the Moulin Rouge site and fortunately it was sold out because the $120 (94 Euros) was a bit to high for me and I could live without it knowing the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is on its way to St. Louis with its interpretation of such locale.

Between dance events, museums, walking and shopping, my 69 years of age started to tell. My legs ached so come night fall by the end of our stay dinner became a marvelous loaf of bread with special ham and cheese with a glass of wine. Cheap, tasty, sensual, fulfilling and just what one needed. Food wise was an adventure and we managed well. Always eating in out-of-the-way places that offered something somewhat affordable (Did I tell you that Paris is expensive?) was a marvelous adventure and we lucked out. People were really nice. Bicycles everywhere, motorcycles everywhere and tiny cars for tiny streets. A subway system that ran like clock work. Pretty clean for the most part and often being serenaded by musicians hoping to be given some euros.

Five days with constant up and down. By the time we boarded American Airlines to Chicago I was happy that no more shops had to be visited and before you knew it I was gone for the next three hours. Flor was jealous as she felt just as tired but could not manage to fall asleep.  I was never able to do that, but I guess it is a gift from Social Security.

Paris. Do not miss it. It sings to you and it also dances.

Michael Uthoff in front of the Moulin Rouge

 

Our friends, PILOBOLUS, are coming to town

One of the joys of doing what I do is that every few years I can invite special friends to return and grace our stage and charm our audiences with their artistry.

 

This year it is PILOBOLUS, magicians of dance that have delighted our audiences and brought us sold out houses. They are incredible individuals that have spawned many imitators but no one that can match them. I have been friends with the founders from our days in Ct. in the early 70′s as they begun their ascent to world re-known creativity and I was in the process of creating the Hartford Ballet that became the blue print for many dance companies of today.

 

Our mutual admiration culminated in the creation of a fabulous work for the Hartford Ballet, work that will be seen next year as part of our New Dance Horizons II, but today we joyfully let ourselves wonder into their world and get transported, through the marvel of the human body, to universes we never thought possible.

 

I so look forward to their presence. Artists totally grounded and committed to their task. A joy to watch, a joy to talk too, a joy to laugh with, a joy to call my friends.

New Dance Horizons on the road

Well, the curtain came down at the Touhill and preparations for our four city tour were on their way. A few blinks, a few congratulatory pats on our backs and back to reality.

Thirty-five excited dancers arrived on time at the South side of Macy’s at the Galleria to board a bus that would take us to Columbia, MO. Actually, only 34, the 35th was on the South Side of Macy’s Downtown; no one is perfect. Unfortunately the bus was not there either. They misread their logs and thought it was 9 PM. With our downtown dancer aware of this, we all got back into ten cars and drove to Columbia, a two hour drive. Thank heaven for cell phones. Its easy to keep taps of everyone if they are together, much harder if they are all driving themselves.

No one was missing when class started in the large studio of Stephens College’s dance Department. Carol Estey, the director, and her students were invited to watch (I have been teaching them for the past two years in June).  A fascinating experience as dancers from four different companies with four different styles and four different ideologies, gave up their ego to prepare for what was coming. Already the Touhill performances had broken all barriers and immense respect had been born between them. Even new friendships.

Our crew, led by Tracy, Andy and JC were at the theatre with Lynette preparing to treat any ailment dancers might incur, recall or imaginary. If they have someone to look after them, dancers always have pain, if their is no one, they cope with it. Better to have someone though.

After extensive rehearsal, the show went on. Those attending were marveled by the experience and this incredible diverse group of dancers performed with a commitment and professionalism I had not experienced in many years.

By 9PM the show was over and back in our cars we headed to get a night sleep.

Following days saw us driving to SIUE in Edwardsville, where we were performing at a beautifully reconstructed Vaudeville Theatre in historic Edwardsville. The first impression was, Oh Lord!!, how are we going to manage this, but once in the theatre we met the challenge and because of the intimacy of the place I felt that last night’s performance was somewhat special. I was able to notice nuances, details and experience emotions I had not had before. The only piece that did have difficulties was MADCO’s because of its sweeping scale of movement, but they made adjustments and as we have come to expect, audiences rose to their feet and danced along with all the dancers.

A magical mystery tour that has three more shows to go. I love it. I love the dancers, their energy, their focus and their joy to be able to do what they are doing.

From 32’000 feet above, returning to St. Louis totally elated about the experience. Not so much with the expectations that what the hand-full of dance lovers were able to accomplish with the legislators, but excited about the knowledge that great people are taking care of dance.

Dance/USA’s leadership is strongly promoting the development of new alliances and encouraging the development of a generation of artists, but the getting to know of Michael, Pamela, Patti and Susie, advocates of dance was thrilling. And seeing that Dance/USA is the most capable hands of Amy, Vicky and Brandon, should encourage all of us.

Upon arrival we gathered for a beautiful dinner where getting to know one another was fun and the conversation was stimulating. A sleepless night gave way to a busy day where at a working breakfast we were briefed on the ramifications that doing away or reducing the present Charitable Deduction Provision would have on not only our field but the country in general. Consensus is that some modification might happen but that it should remain in place allowing us the confidence to still partner with our generous contributors.

We then proceeded to visit the Library of Congress and saw part of their Dance Collection graciously guided by retiring Elizabeth Aldrich, a passionate woman with an encyclopedic knowledge, who happens to live part time in Chile, my home country.. From there we spent the day talking to staff members of Senators and Congressmen of the states represented by the small group of “lobbyists”. Missouri, Illinois and Texas.  Lucia at Senator McCaskill’s office was gracious and attentive and hopefully our message will be delivered to the Senator. The process says great things about the marvelous way the government operates. it also shows the frustrating aspect of how government moves. I believe our plea for continued retaining the Charitable Deduction Exception will be favorably considered.. Their response to the NEA was cooler which is frightening. Here is an agency, that for less than it cost to build on F1Bomber reaches millions of, people inspires more millions, enlightens half the population and by the nature of its giving enhances and gives the Good-housekeeping seal of approval to the generous support that comes from individuals, foundations and corporations.  It employs millions of people and generates billions of dollars in tax revenue. I am sure it gives back ten fold the pittance $144,000,000 it allocates yearly. So much better to create than to slain.

A marvelous second dinner was enjoyed by all and it prepared us for an exciting second day where the Kennedy Center was a highlight.. I was surprised to learn, after all this years, that it is really the Kennedy Memorial. A marvelous national treasure that houses many a gifts from all over the world and showcases fantastic performances form all corners of our precious earth. We then taxied to the old Post Office, the Nancy Hanks building to meet with the NEA and State Department. The building is being bought by Donald Trump to be converted into a hotel, with some stores and they even talk casino. The joke in town is that since he could not buy the White House, he will build next to it.

Oops, the  voice and bells in the plane tell me we are about to land in Memphis (Seems ridiculous that you cannot find direct flights to Washington from St. Louis. I think there is maybe one). We care coming in late having left DC 50 minutes late and my flight in Memphis was taking off 40 minutes after landing. So, we were more than likely going to miss it and i would have to go to Elvis Mansion to find a room. Well, we had made time in the air and after some nice passengers remained in their seats to allow those of us with “tight’ connections to exit the plane a mad rush was made by about 8 of us to catch that plane. Of course it was parked at the very end of another terminal. We looked like odd seagull running on the beach with a piece of garbage as our carry-ons made the “running” (If that is what I was doing at my age) look awkward and funny. Luck would have it that I managed to get to the plane as the doors where about to close. Huffing and puffing and not feeling myself and slumped in my seat and called Flor, my fiancé, to let he know I had made the connection. She must have sense my lack of breath and expressed concerned. I explained that if I died at that moment I was going to instruct the lady seated next to me to sue Delta. We hang up and as I found a comfortable way to seat for the rest of the flight, the lady next door, who had been obviously hearing the conversation I had just had turns to me and in perfect Spanish says “Do not worry, I am a nurse and i will make sure you survive”. After that the flight was made short and delightful as I learned that she was coming to a wedding of a friend who had design gaudy bridesmaids dresses therefore she refused to be part of the party. She was also three months pregnant, had lived in St. Louis and was going to settle in Portland. Thank heaven I did not die and was able to smile into Lambert Field.
Michael

New Dance Horizons: First Look

With summer heat finally giving us a break we prepare to “heat up” the dance world with a unique program, “New Dance Horizons” where four incredible choreographers: Jessica Lang, Victoria Marks, Gina Patterson and Pam Tanowitz are in the process of creating four exciting new works on our own dancers and dance companies.

It is thrilling for me to be able to be part of creativity once again. These artists are spending weeks in our midst and not only inspiring but getting to know our city and all it has to offer. The works being created can turn out to be master works, or maybe not, but what I have already seen is a change in the dynamics of our performers. They are thirsty for knowledge and new experiences and they are drinking what is being offered with gusto.

Their faces light up. Their bodies extend beyond what ever was asked of them. And I, like a proud grandfather, share the joy with the Artistic Directors of the companies when we see how the dancers rise to the occasion and go beyond it.

It is a great time. A time I had missed for a long time. There is something magical about the act of creation and being around it. It is like the world stands still and you move in a haze and finally the work is done and depression sets in. But those days of preparation. Those days of creation. Those days of teaching, no one, absolutely no one, can take them away from you. They consume you in a way that is hard to explain to those not involved in the arts. But it is a magical time that somehow gets communicated to the audience and you, our audience, will marvel if you come to see this incredible new endeavor.

Be there, we are waiting for you. As well as Common Thread, Leverage, MADCO and Saint Louis Ballet.