Cleveland Fine Arts Examiner – GroundWorks DanceTheater puts on a show that everyone will love (Review)

By Mark Horning, Cleveland Fine Arts Examiner

GroundWorks DanceTheater
Breen Center for the Performing Arts
2008 West 30th Street
Cleveland, Ohio
February 16, 2013
7:30 p.m.

As I was listening to the audience leaving the Breen Center for the Performing Arts following the GroundWorks Dance Theater Winter Dance Program I could not help but notice the difference of opinions concerning favorite numbers. Fans of the avant guarde were enthralled with David Shimotakahara’s “LUNA” with its rich textures of movement to the accompanied disconcert sound track. Others were praising Kate Weare’s “Inamorata” for the variety of styles and the sheer physicality of the piece. Then there were the older members of the audience who raved about David Shimotakahara’s work, “Brubeck” with its fifties costuming and jazzy dance steps.

It soon became apparent that they were all right. This is a show that literally has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of the new wave or the old wave you will find something to love with this show. It is a show that is sweeping, breathtaking and poignant all at the same time. It is all due to the fantastic skill of the dancers themselves and the choreographers who guide them.

GroundWorks Dance Theater is made up of a core of five extraordinary dancing talents who fill the stage: Felise Bagley who is the epitome of strength and grace , Noelle Cotler who exhibits complete control during the demanding dance roles, Damien Highfield who dances with the physical style of Nureyev, Gary Lenington who reminds a lot of folks of Gene Kelly with his smile and jaunty manner and Annika Sheaff who dazzles the crowd with her classical style. Their combined pedigree of dance schools reads like an “A list” of the most prestigious teaching academies available in the world. These are dancers have paid their dues with hard work and dedication and the show tonight proved it.

Combine them with David Shimotakahara (the artistic director of GroundWorks) and Kate Weare (visiting choreographer) and you have a show that will knock your socks off. The action is non-stop. There is fluid form and synchronicity that will dazzle you as well as throws, leaps and slides that are the best that can be found and it is right here in Cleveland.

If you are a fan of modern dance or any dance for that matter, I urge you to make plans to attend tomorrow’s show. It is the last one with this repertoire set. I guarantee that you will find something to marvel at and you will walk away happy that your fine arts dollar was well spent.

About the Choreographers
Kate Weare has been the founder of her New York based dance company since 2005. She has also collaborated with a variety of talented people including violinist David Ryther, Brooklyn based indie band “One Ring Zero” as well as composer Michel Galante and the Argento Chamber Ensemble. For more information, visit www.kateweare.com.

David Shimotakahara created his newest work “LUNA” in collaboration with composer Peter V. Swendsen who is the Assistant Professor of Computer Music and Digital Arts at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Professor Swendsen is no stranger to GroundWorks having worked with GroundWorks Artistic Associate Amy Miller on a number of projects for GroundWorks, including “Valence” and “Running To Earth.” His compositions and research focuse on soundscape composition, interdisciplinary performance practice, and interactive technologies. More information about Professor Swendsen can be found at www.swendsen.net.

“Brubeck” first premiered in August of 2012 at the Glendale Cemetery in Akron and was a featured piece at the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival.

GroundWorks was founded by Shimotakahara in 1998 who has set the company’s mission to develop and present new choreography and collaborations. Along with performing new works by Shimotakahara and Artistic Associate Amy Miller, they also commission works from nationally and internationally respected choreographers. In the past they have worked with the likes of Ronen Koresh, Dianne McIntyre, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Jill Sigman, Doug Elkins and David Parker.

GroundWorks DanceTheater’s annual programming is made possible with funding from The National Endowment for the Arts, The Ohio Arts Council, Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Murphy Foundation, The Kulas Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, Cleveland City Dance, Individual Contributors, and Members of the GroundWorks Board of Trustees. The Akron/Summit Co. Public Library concerts are generously supported by the GAR Foundation, Akron Community Foundation and the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, the Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation and the Knight Foundation.