Smuin Ballet Launches 31st Season with “Dance Series 1” Featuring “ByChance,” “The Last Glass,” and “Renaissance”
by Darlene Jurow
Smuin Contemporary Ballet celebrates kicking off its 31st dance season by featuring the world premiere of Jennifer Archibald’s “ByChance,” the company premiere of Matthew Neenan’s “The Last Glass,” and the return of Amy Seiwert’s “Renaissance.”
Each of the three segments is elegant and sophisticated. “ByChance” is a dynamic work that highlights the spectacular versatility of its artists while “The Last Glass” offers stirring moments that present both love and the power of new possibilities. “Renaissance” rounds out the performance as a masterful piece that bodes well for Smuin’s future.
With “ByChance” Jennifer Archibald has created a piece that resonates with the audience through the sensations of time and space as the dances offer stirring bursts of energy, with the dancers’ arms thrust out at enhanced angles. “ByChance” closes with an enchanting duet performance by Ricardo Dyer and Terez Dean Orr. Overall, This is a very impressive performance.
Matthew Neenan, who makes his Smuin debut with “The Last Glass,” enthralls the audience with this very infectious production as it brings its cast of dancers to life through emotion and very impressive movement. Set to music by the Indie-rock band Beirut, this is both a playful and passionate showcasing of individuality.
Rounding out the program is Amy Seiwert’s “Renaissance.” Set to Eastern European folk songs, this piece, featuring the full company of 14, offers dances with quick, yet unusual rhythms that both inspire and capture the spirit of the audience.
In their own ways, these three modern ballets share certain virtues as they capture the marvel of human interaction. While there are dashes of humor, each performance offers stirring and breath-catching moments of grace. Also, not to be overlooked, the choreography is both inventive and expressive.
Smuin’s Dance Series 1, which opened with shows in Mountain View and Walnut Creek, continues in San Francisco at the Cowell Theater (2 Marina Blvd.) through October 20. For tickets or more information, the public may call 415-912-1899 or visit smuinballet.org.
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Photo caption: The Smuin company in the world premiere of Jennifer Archibald's "ByCHANCE," unveiled in Smuin's "Dance Series 1" touring the Bay Area now through October 20, 2024. (Photo credit: Chris Hardy)