Performances Onstage This Month
Caribou
in Carolina
Helen Simoneau Danse. Photo by Charles Zovko, courtesy In The Lights PR.
NC tour A Canadian who lives in North Carolina, choreographer-on-the-rise Helen Simoneau is using her newest evening-length work, Caribou, to take a closer look at heritage, assimilation and identity. She studies these ideas through the iconic caribou—an enormously antlered animal beloved by our friends to the north. It seems like a good match: Simoneau’s work is both athletic and smooth, much like those graceful beasts. March 3–5, Hanesbrands Theatre, Winston-Salem; March 6, Charlotte Ballet; March 19, Charlotte Dance Festival. helensimoneau.com.
Passing the Torch
Elisa Monte Dance turns 35 this year. Photo by Darial Sneed, courtesy In the Lights PR.
New York City and Lake Placid, NY What happens to a dance company’s identity when its sole choreographer steps down? Elisa Monte Dance’s 35th anniversary at City College Center for the Arts, March 2–5, will be both a tribute to Elisa Monte’s leadership and a preview of what’s to come. She’ll premiere one final work before handing the reins at season’s end to current associate artistic director and former EMD dancer Tiffany Rea-Fisher, who has also created a piece for the program. Monte’s Pangaea studies issues that impact the planet; Rea-Fisher’s Newton’s Cradle examines the known and unknown consequences of one’s actions. EMD will also take select works to Lake Placid Center for the Arts for a residency, March 14–18, and a performance on the 18th.
www.elisamontedance.org
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Taylor’s iconic Esplanade. Photo by Paul B. Goode, Courtesy PTAMD
Paul Taylor’s
American Gumbo
New York City Going backward and forward at the same time, Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance promises to educate as well as to entertain. Taylor’s dancers will perform Martha Graham’s Diversion of Angels (which Taylor himself performed during his time with the Graham company), and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company will dance Donald McKayle’s poignant classic Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder. Taylor has commissioned new works by postmodernists Doug Elkins and Larry Keigwin. And, of course, the season will also include a hefty dose of 16 dances by Taylor himself. March 16–April 3, David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. davidhkochtheater.com.
Arian Molina Soca and Mayara Pineiro in Don Quixote. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev, courtesy PAB.
A Taste of Spain
Philadelphia Now into his second year as artistic director of Pennsylvania Ballet, Angel Corella is mounting a Don Quixote that reminds him of home—Spain, that is. He wants to capture the feeling of the lively town squares he knew as a child. The costume and set designs aim for authentic Spanish flavor, and the choreography includes elements of flamenco. Olé! March 3–13, Academy of Music. paballet.org.
Morgan in Mobile Ballet’s Swan Lake. Photo by Jeff Kennedy, Courtesy Morgan.
A Ballerina Bounces Back
Washington, DC Since leaving New York City Ballet in 2012, Kathryn Morgan has become an internet force—her loyal followers count on her upbeat and honest advice about navigating the bunhead life. So, naturally, when it was time to announce her two-night performance at the Kennedy Center, she took to YouTube. Presented by Ballet in the City and sponsored by Bloch Inc., the program will be devoted to her life and career, with Donald Garverick’s The Red Shoes as the headlining piece. March 29–30. balletinthecity.org.
