New York Notebook
Fantastic Fidgeting
Ryohei Kondo, founder of the entertaining all-male Condors, returns to Japan Society with a new group for the Annual Contemporary Dance Showcase. Influenced by Pina Bausch, Kondo is known for his mix of athletic movement, comedy, and mixed media. His new work, Goats Block the Road, Part III: Goat Stampede, juxtaposes manic energy with peaceful tasks, all to live music by Ryuichi Sakamoto’s daughter Miu. Also on the program are choreographers who excel in what one might call refined agitation: Maki Morishita and Ahn Ae-soon. Jan. 7–8. See www.japansociety.org. —Wendy Perron
Hot Dances for Cold Weather
Buenos Aires–based company Tango Fire heats up the winter season with Tango Inferno. The 10-member troupe, directed by Yanina Fajar, follows the history of the sultry Argentinean art form from dance halls to stage. The program is set to the fabulous music of Astor Piazzolla, performed live by a quartet (bandoneon, double bass, violin, and piano) and vocalist Jesus Hidalgo. Jan. 11–23. See www.joyce.org. —Kristin Schwab
From the Land of Paradise
The joyous Balé Folclórico da Bahia celebrates its 20th anniversary with “Sacred Heritage,” a program that looks back at its influences from the Yoruban candomblé to capoeira and reggae. Every number is bound to unwrap a brilliant spectacle—an explosion of sound (drumming), sights (colorful costumes), and storytelling. The company’s signature piece, Afixiré (“dance of happiness”), seems to spring right up from the earth. Jan. 29–30, Skirball Center, NYU. See www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu. —W.P.
Pictured: Ryohei Kondo (far left) and dancers in his
Goats Block The Road, Part III: Goat Stampede. Photo by Takashi Ito, courtesy Japan Society
