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| Ann Marie DeAngelo & Peter Martins |
I think the show stayed true to its self-invented theme, and it had a typical DeAngelo fast-pace flow. What I do each year in terms of eclectic programing remains the same. My vision is a mix of styles and genres - in a marriage of the old and the new. Because of such wide diversity and the best of the best in each form, the show is fresh. My formula takes variety to a new level by strategically arranging each piece and pinning them against each other. Or, positioning them in an unexpected way, that creates an “element of surprise”. The element of surprise is key to engaging audiences and to successful theater. This formula I use whether in one of my own ballets, directing a show by someone else or in these single even evenings. For gala shows, it starts In the selection process......the pieces are either excerpts from larger works (a Lynne Taylor-Corbett duet from Dracula); commissioned works (Mark Stuart’s to the Ne-Yo song); new innovative work (Noah Racey’s NY Song & Dance), evolutionary work (drumming and break-dance with The Street Beats Group); unexpected classics back-to-back such as National Dance Institute (NDI) in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” following a Bob Fosse number from Pippin with Bebe Neuwirth - “Magic To Do”. Or placing the self-controlled classic of Giselle before an outrageous Lypsinka. The novelty of Pucci's “Surfing” number was a non sequitur, after the creepy dramatic impact of Bell Witch. And, ultimately the synthesis happens in less than 90 min. With 20 years of creating shows (as an artistic director and choreographer), it now takes place in my head (and on 100 drafts on paper). I believe that 'amalgamation' is the choreographic voice of the future (distinct voices no longer exist). Individual voices become more distinct when positioned together because the voice of the collective is always stronger. My internal message stays the same: “it is only through our differences that we discover our sameness”.
Ultimately, I CARE
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| Bebe Neuwirth (center) |
Review:
A Halloween ThrillerCareer Transition For Dancers
October 31, 2011 at City Center in NYC
Directed by Ann Marie DeAngelo
The show began with Bebe Neuwirth singing the lead in “Magic To Do” from Bob Fosse’s Pippin. A perfect Fosse-esque opener, staged by David Warren Gibson. This segued into NDI romping to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, choreographed by the Mary Kennedy, who did a fantastic job with 90 kids on and off stage.
National Dance Institute
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| Dracula |
Then our illustrious host for the evening Chita Rivera, gave out the Career Transition For Dancers annual Awards, before she introduced an excerpt (last duet) from Lynne Taylor-Corbett's Dracula, that was performed by Carolina Ballet. It had just the right bite to it!
Chita
By the way, Chita changed from the evening gown she wore in the beginning, to this costume for her last entrance and evenings "thank you's".What would the evening be like without tap-dancing Skeletons -- who came as an interlude between Dracula and Bell Witch, in order to cover up the fact that the stage hands had to strike the bed used in Dracula!
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| Tap City Youth Ensemble |
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| Lynn Cohen |
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| Oriada Islami (as the Bell Witch) Adam Hundt as John Bell |
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| The Kill.... |
