DancenOw | NYC – Base camp review

Robin Staff sure knows how to pick them. As the festival’s co-founder (along with Tamara Greenfield) and artistic director, Staff has chosen a diverse and talented line-up that is full of surprises. In its 13th season, the festival features the “10th Anniversary Project” honoring 5 chorographers who have grown with the festival since 1997 including David Parker, Brian Brooks and in last evening’s performance, Nicholas Leichter.

Leichter opened the evening, performing his own Animal, fresh out of 1997. Viewing this evocative work was like hearing a thousand one-second stories as each movement conveyed the depth of a human story. As the montage of characters grew, Leichter seemed surprised at the movements of his own body, as though it were speaking of its own volition. His idiosyncratic movements created a richness that filled his stories with life.

Wow Mom, Wow was a playful romp punctuated by exquisite partnering among the trio in Faye Driscoll’s piece. In the opening section, the three dancers giggle as girls sharing secrets before moving into mischievous but earnest face slapping.

A double soundtrack and a trio of two dancers and a wedding gown create a dance of duality in Inflatable Man, Evaporating Woman. After her release from the dress near the beginning of the dance, Lindsey Dietz Marchant launches into fast, almost break-dance style movement following the techno soundtrack while her partner Jason continues a relationship with the empty dress to the sounds of slow piano music. The double piece continues until Lindsey is lured back into the dress, which swallows her completely.

As the festival slogan promised, I did find my new artistic crush which came in the form of Wallie Wolfgruber, choreographer and performer of Fürchtet Euch Nicht. Wolfgruber’s poise and grace as a dancer as well as her boldness as choreographer produced an emotional and sensual dance.

Base Camp is a well curated evening; balanced with humor and emotional depth in both new works and recreations. Playing though Sunday.

If you go: Check the site for the performance schedule and listing. Purchase tickets online for the advanced price.