Momentum
Artistic Director: Frank Chaves
at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph (map)
thru Nov 17 | tickets: $30-$75 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Graceful and energizing anniversary celebration
River North Dance Chicago presents
Momentum
Review by Lauren Whalen
In a documentary about River North Dance Chicago, shown to the audience just before Momentum begins, a reporter is nervous. “I’ve never seen a dance performance before. I’m scared I won’t get it!” she says, her laugh not quite masking genuine fear. Company Artistic Director Frank Chaves comes to the reporter’s rescue. “There’s no reason to be scared!” he assures her. And indeed, the energetic and merry Chaves has made “no fear” his mission. Chaves celebrates 20 years with River North this fall, successful in his never ending quest to make dance accessible. With seven different pieces – including two works by Chaves and two by emerging choreographers – Momentum is enjoyable for dance newbies, veterans and everyone in between.
Also newer to the choreography scene is Nejla Yatkin, who’s already won several prestigious fellowships and is currently an artist in residence at the University of Notre Dame. Her “Renatus” (meaning rebirth) is a solo piece set to the aria “Vissi d’arte” from Puccini’s Tosca. Dancer Jessica Wolfrum encompasses pure emotion as she guides and sometimes wrestles with an unlikely partner: a heavy red gown with undercurrents of black, the magnificent work of costume designer Jordan Ross (whose sure hand is evident in several of Momentum’s works). Wolfrum is pure emotion, like a bird adjusting to its wings and, later, a serpent shedding the confines of its skin. Yatkin’s steps accompany the soaring melody without acting it out – a delicate balance for a choreographer. Like Barruch, she is one to watch.
Momentum’s two most innovative works utilize the same dynamic dancer: Ahmad Simmons. “Beat” is a solo “structured improvisation”, where Simmons’ own improvised movement combines with segments grounded by creator Ashley Roland. A brief but transcendent piece, “Beat” makes good work of Evan Solot’s percussion-heavy original score – Simmons is all toned muscles and sharp isolations juxtaposed with liquid gyrations and gravity-defying leaps. He only occupies a small part of the stage, but his presence reverberates to the very back row. Simmons is also featured in the hilarious and unpredictable “Three”. Choreographed in 2010 by Robert Battle – who was later personally selected by Judith Jamison to fill her shoes as Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – “Three” features a trio of men executing movements that are at once spastic and very, very precise. Flexed feet, lunges and second position plies. Simmons, Michael Gross and Ethan R. Kirschbaum are both wild and contained as they face off and later blend together in this starkly humorous pas de trois.
 
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As is fitting for celebrating Chaves’ two decades with River North Dance Chicago, Momentum opens and closes with his work. “The Good Goodbyes” is a tribute to the intense yet fleeting relationships among the dance community. Chaves’ choreography carries weight, and the dancers showcase their personal knowledge of the subject matter in a way that feels intimate – even in the large Harris Theater. Todd Clark and Jordan Ross’ lighting and costumes, respectively, are warm and autumnal, symbolizing an end that also comes with a renewal. “Goodbyes”’ nostalgic gravity is illuminated by Josephine Lee’s original piano composition – which Lee herself plays onstage.
Chaves’ closing piece, “Forbidden Boundaries” is even more of an inner journey – looking at the personal obstacles and inner tug-of-war we set for ourselves. Each dancer is clad all in white, while white cardigans are used to restrain, subdue or otherwise control each other and themselves. Chaves’ use of Jackson Lowell’s costume design is nothing short of brilliant – and his premise is extremely relatable. In this way, Chaves executes his mission to make dance accessible. Who of us hasn’t wrestled inner demons?
Well done, Mr. Chaves. Congratulations on 20 years, and may you have 20 more!
Rating: ★★★½
Momentum continues through November 17th at Millennium Park’s Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph (map). More information at RiverNorthChicago.com. (Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by Cheryl Mann, Sandro, and Erika DuFour
artists
cast
Levizadik Buckins, Taeler Cyrus, Michael Gross, Hank Hunter, Lauren Klas, Ethan R. Kirschbaum, Gretchen LaWall, Melanie Manale-Hortin, Michael McDonald, Hayley Meier, Olivia Rehrman, Ahmad Simmons, Jessica Wolfrum
behind the scenes
Frank Chaves (Artistic Director), Gail Kalver (Executive Director), Sara Bibik (Assistant to the Artistic Director), Claire Bataille (Ballet Mistress), Joshua Paul Weckesser (Production Stage Manager & Technical Director), Mari Jo Irbe (Rehearsal Director), Laura Wade (Ballet Mistress), Liz Rench (Wardrobe Supervisor)
The Good Goodbye: Frank Chaves (Choreography), Josephine Lee (Original Music/Pianist), Todd Clark (Lighting Design), Jordan Ross (Costume Design),
Beat: Ashley Roland (Structured Improvisation Shaped By), Evan Solot (Original Music), Ashley Roland (Costume Design/Lighting Design), Stephen Arnold (Design Recreation)
Excerpts from Al Sur Del Sur (Song of the South): Sabrina and Ruben Veliz (Choreography), Todd Clark (Lighting Design), Jordan Ross (Costume Design), Roberto Alvarez/Victor Lavallen (Music)
I Close My Eyes Until the End: Adam Barruch (Choreography), Olafur Arnalds (Music), Joshua Weckesser (Lighting Design), Jordan Ross (Costume Design)
Three: Robert Battle (Choreography), Various (Music), Jordan Ross (Costume Design), Todd Clark (Lighting Design)
Renatus: Nejla Yatkin (Choreography), Giacomo Puccini (Music), Joshua Weckesser (Lighting Design), Jordan Ross (Costume Design)
Forbidden Boundaries: Frank Chaves (Choreography), John Mennella/ID Music (Editing and additional sound score), Christopher Ash (Lighting Design), Jackson Lowell (Costume Design)
