Dance Review: Jennifer MULLER/The WORKS- Electrifying!

Jennifer Muller creates an evening of dance with works from the archives to a stunning world premiere.  She has a company of 12 that milked every extension, lift, and suspension, filling The Joyce Theater with life.  A night with Jennifer Muller and dancers is a refreshing finish to a long day.

TUB (created in 1973); the curtain opens with dim yellow light capturing Mariana Cardenas in a clawfoot bathtub with her limbs and long, gorgeous hair draped over the sides.  She flings her head back to send beads of water arching beautifully through space.  We are captivated.  Her solo -serious and intense- leaves me wondering where this is all going.  Pascal Rekoert soon enters with a few others, and they explore this life force that seems to come from the bathtub’s water.  He is coy, energetic, and over 6 feet of striking movement; and from fingers to toes he never stops moving.  Later, we are introduced to Duane Gosa, who remains cool while striding across the stage wearing snorkeling flippers.  He refreshes us with this moment of comedic relief, but once he dives into penché, he is no joke!  Duane takes the cake with his unbelievable balance and swagger in these flippers.  TUB has a hint of sexual energy and one by one they explore what the water grants them.

With Bench, Jennifer takes the second half to expose the vital issue of environmental protection Inspired by Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, the backdrop is running footage of the Earth from creation to its current state; the music is intense, and the dancers are determined.  They start by sitting like ducks in a row on the white bench that occupies a quarter of the stage.  The choreography instantly takes us through the foreseeable destruction of the Earth through solos, duets, and trios- all of which are loosely derived from the seven deadly sins.  The dancers are sensual yet strong, and they definitely know how to partner.  I always enjoy Jennifer Muller’s partnering work, as she never ceases to amaze.  She has created an intense piece and the audience has absorbed her message.

The night came to a close with MOMENTUM (2005), and WOW!  What a blast.  With electric music, vibrant colors, and bright smiles this could not have been any better.  Pascal Rekoert is once again a focal point and his whimsical character keeps the audience engaged and excitedly alive.  He’s joined by the entire company who move in and out of brief, quirky solos.  Everyone loves a dancer who doesn’t take him or herself too seriously! What an amazing night.  Thank you dancers  for pumping a little blood back in our veins. 

Jennifer Muller / The Works Photos by Ben Hider

iDANZ Critix Corner

Official Review by: Caroline Banks
Performance: Jennifer MULLER/The WORKS
Choreography: Jennifer Muller
Venue: The Joyce Theater, NYC
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2009
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