Michael’s perspective on the Miller
Posted by Michael
For those craving a dose of New York City Ballet, those who didn’t make it to Saratoga Springs in July, who won’t be hopping a plane to Chicago this month, who weren’t big enough donors to get a seat at the Sept. 29th Choreographic Institute workshop, and who just couldn’t possibly wait till the opening night Gala in Novemeber, “New Ballet Choreographers” at Columbia U’s MIller Theater in mid-September provided the needed fix. New works by NYCB’s Edwaard Liang and Tom Gold, and former ABT member Brian Reeder were the bill of fare.
The dimensions of the Miller provide a more intimate experience for performer and audience member. A smaller proscenium stage, live music close at hand, and audible footfall and limb-against-floor sound removes a bit of the fourth wall one is accustom to at the NY State Theatre(with apologies to Mr. B!!). And it allowed a chance to see some principal dancers’ work up close and personal.
This was the closing performance, a saturday eve, with a sold-out, age-diverse crowd eager to see some fresh stuff, a crowd somewhat familiar with City Ballet. My wife and I(Telefundraising Manager for NYCB Guild) were smack first row, right-center aisle; with the first violinist’s bow so close it tickled my fancy on numerous occasions.
As I scanned the audience looking for familiar faces, I spotted Ed Liang pacing a bit against the back wall, like a nervous dad.
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