Luna Nueva
Choreographed by Mónica Cervantes, Gustavo Ramírez Sansano and Diana Szeinblum
at MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago (map)
thru June 10 | tickets: $10-$28 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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Artistic but odd
Luna Negra Dance Theater and Museum of Contemporary Art present
Luna Nueva
Review by Lauren Whalen
When it comes to dance, pushing the envelope is essential. Ballet wouldn’t have been the same without the innovations of George Balanchine; ditto, modern with Martha Graham or José Limon. Luna Negra Dance Theater understands this importance and runs with it. In Luna Nueva, the diverse and energetic company’s collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art, dancers and choreographers challenge the concept of movement and strive to shape it into moving modern art. While the results are intriguing and important, they aren’t always entertaining.
“En busca de (in search of)” is the evening’s opening piece, a full company work choreographed by artistic director Gustavo Ramírez Sansano. Beginning with one dancer inside an oversized swinging lantern, “En busca de” intersperses frenetic, choppy movement with suspension. Sansano’s choreography, while energetic and dynamic, tends to be repetitive. However, three dancers in particular elevate the steps to a whole new level. Eduardo Zuñiga makes the most of his diminutive stature with gorgeous extensions and light landings, while apprentice Jozsef Forro has a sustained sensuality. And Nigel Campbell, an alum of the Ailey School and Julliard, has a stunning magnetism. When he points his toes, the audience leans forward.
“Brasilia”, choreographed by Diana Szeinblum in collaboration with the dancers, is a physical rendering of insomnia. Aside from a short burst of lightning-speed movement, the piece takes on a syrup-thick languor. Company members are on stage the entire time, standing on a small paper rectangle off to the side when they’re not clinched together in varying stages of undress. Though the concept is intriguing, “Brasilia” itself feels overly long and meandering, leaving the audience confounded rather than energized.
The evening’s brightest spot is its final piece, Mónica Cervantes’ “Réquiem”. With a beautifully mournful Mozart-heavy score, dancers move through solos and duets that incorporate clotheslines and illustrate loneliness and isolation. Occasional heavy breaths and mumbled words add to the ambiance. Cervantes is a Luna Negra company member and rehearsal director: she knows these dancers well, their strengths as well as their breaking points, and just when and how far to push. The result is a reminder to the viewer that intense joy can be found even in moments of utmost despair.
Companies like Luna Negra are vital: Chicago’s dance scene can never grow without innovation. That said, innovation and entertainment can go hand in hand, which isn’t always the case with Luna Nueva. While I understand this show was not the place for it, I would love to see the company’s take on a slightly more traditional modern dance piece. I can only imagine the unique verve – and sheer nerve – Luna Negra’s dancers would bring.
Rating: ★★½
Luna Nueva continues through June 10th at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago (map), with performances Friday-Sunday at 7:30pm. Tickets are $28 ($10 for students), and are available by phone (312.397.4010) or online at MCAChicago.org. (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at LunaNegra.org. (Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes with two intermissions)
Photos by Nathan Keay
artists
performers
Renée Adams, Christopher Bordenave, Nigel Campbell, Mónica Cervantes, Jozsef Forro, Veronica Guadalupe, Zoltán Katona, Joseph Kudra, Kirsten Shelton, Eduardo Zuñiga
behind the scenes
For Luna Negra Dance Theater
Gustavo Ramírez Sansano (Artistic Director), Joanna Naftali (Executive Director), Mónica Cervantes and Veronica Guadalupe (Rehearsal Directors), Teri York (Production Manager), Jared B. Moore (Lighting Designer), Jason Anthony (Wardrobe Assistant), Nathan Keay (photos), Eduardo Vilaro (Founder)
For “En busca de (in search of)”
