Smuin Closes 29th Season in Stunning Style with Dance Series 2

by Ed Brice

     Smuin Ballet’s 2022-23 season finale, which began performing at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts in late April and continues performances throughout the Bay Area through May, is a dazzling performance headlined by four soaring works that highlight the company’s artistry and depth of talent. This stunning four-course production includes: “Swipe” by Val Caniparoli with music by Gabriel Prokofiev; “Sextette” by Katarzyna Skarpetowska with music by Johann Sebastian Bach; “Dream” by Michael Smuin with music by Chopin; and “French Kiss”, a world premiere by Amy Seiwert with music by Pink Martini. If there’s one thing that audiences take home from this stirring performance is how well the entire Smuin company dances – big and bold in repertoire that makes all its dancers look absolutely fabulous!

     It all begins as Val Caniparoli returns to Smuin with “Swipe”, a revival of the first work from the acclaimed dancemaker performed by the company. This highly technical piece for four men and three women is set to a remix of “String Quartet No. 2” by Gabriel Prokofiev, grandson of Sergei Prokofiev. A classically trained composer known for electronic and hip-hop music, Prokofiev’s music complements the vibrant energy of Caniparoli’s blend of classical and contemporary movement.

     Dance Series 2 then continues with its second act, in which the company premieres Katarzyna (Kate) Skarpetowska’s “Sextette”, a soaring work that highlights the company’s artistry and depth of talent. This whimsical piece is set to Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor.”

     Smuin then unveils the world premiere of “French Kiss” by Amy Seiwert set to the irresistible music of the world’s most iconic cross-genre group, Pink Martini. This segment blurs the boundaries of modern pop, jazz, baroque, pop, and classical music, in addition to crossing linguistic borders. A Latin-tinged percussive number kicks off this segment, followed by a segment with an ensemble wielding umbrellas. Still, the most memorable section of “French Kiss” is an ironic duet to “Ma Solitude,” involving fashion-appropriate surprises. “French Kiss,” offers a 12-member ensemble outfitted in a stunning array of colors, with the women in short-sleeve dresses and Peter Pan-like collars.

     Within this segment, which is a true highlight, everyone seems to have stepped out of French Vogue circa 1962, perfectly in keeping with the chic musical environment of classic French songs as recorded by the stylistically contemporary ensemble Pink Martini.

     Finally, Michael Smuin’s romantic “Dream” makes its long-awaited return to the stage. It is a pas de deux set to “Romanza” from Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11,”

     Throughout the entire production of Dance 2 every dance movement is so beautifully choreographed – it’s a living work of art! Each act is genuinely mesmerizing --  truly magical. Do not miss the opportunity to see this performance.

     Smuin’s Dance Series 2 continues to tour the Bay Area, performing in San Francisco through May 14, then wrapping up in Mountain View (May 25-28). Tickets ($25-$99) are available by calling the individual venues (S.F.: 415-912-1899; Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts: 650-903-6000) or visiting www.smuinballet.org.

* * * * *

Photo caption: Smuin artist Brennan Wall (center) and the company in Amy Seiwert's world premiere of "French Kiss," unveiled in Smuin's "Dance Series 2" touring the Bay Area now through May 28. (Photo credit: Chris Hardy)oto cred