Smuin Ballet’s “Dance Series 2” Features Treasured Favorites with Joyful Expression!
By Darlene Jurow
Smuin Contemporary Ballet closes its 2024/25 season with a smash as Dance Series 2, a collection of fresh premieres and treasured favorites, dominate the stage! Artistic Director Amy Seiwert offers her first World Premiere at the helm of Smuin, and her 13th ballet for the company. Meanwhile, nationally acclaimed choreographer Trey McIntyre premieres his playful work Wild Sweet Love, set to a medley of popular artists ranging from Queen to The Zombies, and even The Partridge Family.
The company also revives Michael Smuin’s Rodin-inspired pas de deux, The Eternal Idol, originally choreographed for American Ballet Theatre superstars Cynthia Gregory and Ivan Nagy in 1969.
The work of former Smuin dancer Rex Wheeler begins “Dance Series 2” with Sinfonietta, a spirited neoclassical ballet for five couples set to the eponymous piece by Boris Tchaikovsky. Here, the lead couple (Tess Lane and Dominic Barret) come to life, followed by a swarm of other couples who pour onstage to mirror the two principal dancers. The real beauty of this number are the flowing white costumes and wonderful music by Boris Tchaikovsky.
The sculpture of Auguste Rodin is the focus of the following act, “The Eternal Idol”, a classic Michael Smuin duet full of innovative partnering and nuanced musicality. Climbing off a rock while wearing form-fitting costumes, the two dancers, Brennan Wall and Joao Sampaio, slowly move through space, spreading their limbs and flexing their torsos.
Trey McIntyre’s “Wild Sweet Love” is full of quirks and surprises as it makes quite an impact while closing the show as a slew of brides in wedding gowns and white gloves, as well as their male counterparts donned in white shorts and bow ties take the stage for Felix Mandelssohn’s “Wedding March”.
The choreography of the production contributes greatly to the overall richness of the production. “Dance Series 2” embodies the company’s mission – to push creative boundaries, celebrate its roots, and captivate audiences with extraordinary storytelling. It’s definitely a show worth seeing!
Smuin’s Dance Series 2 will be presented in Carmel (June 7-8). For tickets ($25-$92) or more information, the public may call 415-912-1899 or visit smuinballet.org.
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Photo caption: The Smuin company surges in synchronized motion under an eclipse-like glow in Artistic Director Amy Seiwert’s world premiere of “I Remember Now.” Smuin’s “Dance Series 2” tours the Bay Area through June 8, 2025. (Photo credit: Chris Hard)