A Quick Write Up: Bravo! Orbo Novo
October 26, 2009
For The Winger
By Bennyroyce Royon

New York, NY. Last night’s presentation of Cedar Lake Ballet’s “Orbo Novo” by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui was a delicate yet riviting performance. All sixteen dancers were as fluid, sensuous, and emotive as the live music accompaniment by the Mosaic String Quartet, original score by Syzmon Brzoska. “Orbo Novo,” which translates to ‘the New World’ is a thoughtful exploration of the construct of the mind and the present moment. Sidi Larbi’s unique choreographic language lent its flowy movement to weave in and out of the definite and indefinite parameters of time. Also, he geniously incorporated the words of Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s original work, “My Stroke of Insight” in the piece, which provided a touching and insightful script for the dancers to experience.

Dancer Harumi Terayama particularly stood out in this performance with her commanding presence on stage. She was a fascinating vibration of energy that seemed to purge out the damaged electric circuitry contained in her body. Captivated and yearning for each lasting moment, I wanted to see her more and more in a duet with fellow dancer Golan Yosef. Another spectacular dancer to watch in this performance was Jonathan Bond. An extraordinary performer, he has an unlimited capacity to translate any type of movement with agility, athelticism, and grace.

Alexander Dodge’s effective set design helped transform the stage into an ever changing labryinth, full of possible configurations. Costume design by Isabelle Lhoas was simple, yet tasteful and appealing. Lighting design by Jim French, superb.

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Submitted through my iPhone.