Photograph by C. McCullers, courtesy of Atlanta Ballet.
Atlanta Ballet's “New Choreographic Voices” - Wheeldon, Patterson, Naharin
Gina Patterson’s "I AM" - with sets and costumes by Jorge Gallardo
... with Friday evening’s world premiere of “I Am,” Patterson sent forth a clear and exquisite message about shedding human imperfections to discover one’s true self.
“I Am” was emotionally captivating, its formal values intact.
...Patterson has emerged with a powerful and poetic individual voice.
Excerpted Review: “New Choreographic Voices” vividly illustrates fast ascent of Atlanta Ballet
March 25, 2013 By CYNTHIA BOND PERRY
Arts Atlanta
Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director John McFall recognizes his responsibility to give early and mid-career choreographers opportunities to develop their craft, in order to keep American repertoire healthy and strong. He commissioned Gina Patterson‘s “Quietly Walking” in 2011, ... with Friday evening’s world premiere of “I Am,” Patterson sent forth a clear and exquisite message about shedding human imperfections to discover one’s true self. Set to music ranging from pieces by contemporary composers Max Richter and Arvo Pärt to a rarified “Ave Maria” by J.S. Bach and Charles Gounod, “I Am” was emotionally captivating, its formal values intact. Patterson’s vocabulary is supple and fluent, both with the freer figures in flesh-colored leotards and those clad in gray jackets, which seemed to represent self-imposed restrictions. They appeared at first in the foreground, while a dark gray scrim seemed to hover above their heads like an overcast cloud. With stunning immediacy, the dancers whipped through multiple turns, thrusting arms and legs as if reaching desperately for friendship or intimacy. In contrast, a few in flesh colors were upstage in pairs, one seated on the other’s rounded form, as if sitting on a boulder by a stream, contemplating and merging with nature. Organically, through gentle and nurturing support, the gray jackets were gradually shed. Each dancer underwent a process of letting go; through vulnerability and trust, each emerged with a newfound power expressed in physical and emotional freedom. This was ultimately embodied in a sole figure: a woman (Alessa Rogers) lit in soft, radiant pink, shed of clothing and crowned by the antlers of a deer. (In many cultures, the deer is a totem animal for self-realization, Patterson explained in a post-show talk.) Like that mythic image, Patterson has emerged with a powerful and poetic individual voice.
Photograph by C. McCullers, courtesy of Atlanta Ballet.
Excerpted Review: Atlanta Ballet’s New Choreographic Voices Will Leave You Gaga
March 25, 2013 By AMY HOWTON
The Backstage Beat
“I AM” was choreographed by Gina Patterson, whom Atlanta audiences will remember from “Quietly Walking,” one of the pieces included in Ignition, the first New Jonah Hooper, Nadia Mara and Miguel Montoya in Gina Patterson’s “I Am.” Photograph by C. McCullers, courtesy of Atlanta Ballet.Choreographic Voices performance in 2011. “I AM,” in the words of the choreographer, “…will lead you on a journey, allowing you time to…discover your own stories unfolding.” The piece is exquisitely crafted, with the dancers paring down the movement and the costumes to reveal the bare essences of thought and emotion. Musical repeats are treated in unexpected ways. Miniature canons are presented with intervals so close as to be almost indiscernible without razor-sharp attention, suggesting shadows. Layers of gesture and meaning build the total construct as an artist would craft a sculpture from clay. At the end, the dancers replace their outer costumes, ready to re-engage with their lives. The piece is set upon a rectangle scribed on the stage against a spare backdrop of sand and sky, all designed by collaborating designer Jorge Gallardo, which serves as a nearly blank page upon which the dancers carve their stories. Patterson’s choreography demands that the dancers immerse themselves in introspection, but they must also inspire the audience to witness the outcomes of their pilgrimage. The piece is equally delicate and powerful, fragile and intense, subtle and potent. There are no “stars” in this work; every dancer is equally integral to the landscape.
Photograph by C. McCullers, courtesy of Atlanta Ballet.
Excerpted Review: New Choreographic Voices: A breathtaking evening of dance that will move you
Posted on 23 March 2013.
Fenuxe
The second piece, “I Am,” choreographed by Gina Patterson was the biggest surprise of the evening for me. I am not the type to be at a loss for words, but all I know is I cried as I watched this piece. I have never cried watching dance, EVER! But I did watching this piece. Everything came together beautifully. The synergy between choreography, dancers, music, costumes, and set were undeniable. It felt effortless. What moved me most was the vulnerability the dancers were able to convey in their movement. Simply breathtaking!! At the end of the evening, I had the chance to hear Patterson speak about her process putting this piece together. I was not surprised to learn she worked closely with each dancer to showcase their strengths as it relates to the story. You owe it to yourself to see this just for this piece alone! I hope to see it again very soon!
Here are some links to the pre-show press for Atlanta Ballet’s “New Choreographic Voices”
Preview: Atlanta Ballet’s “New Choreographic Voices” gets its Gaga on with “Minus 16”
Preview: The Atlanta Ballet Prepares For New Choreographic Voices, This Weekend Only
Atlanta Ballet’s 2013 New Choreographic Voices Showcases Emerging Choreographers