The Very Best Of NYC Dance (November 2009)

Complexions Contemporary Ballet returns to the Joyce Theater for its 15th season with Love, Sweat and Tears playing Nov. 17-29. Complexions is an institution that embodies its historical moment, a sanctuary where those passionate about dance can celebrate its past while simultaneously building its future. In honor of its landmark anniversary, Complexions has assembled two distinct 15th Anniversary Medleys of classic fan favorite pieces, each looking back on the highlights of the com- pany’s decade-and-half long quest to reinvent the landscape of Modern American Dance. Each Medley is followed by a performance of the critically acclaimed “Rise”, Dwight Rhoden’s instant classic that marries groundbreaking choreography with the soulful rock of U2.

Contemporary dance meets electronic music in 60×60 Dance a one-hour multimedia extravaganza at the Winter Garden Atrium Nov. 13. Embracing a grass-roots ideology, 60×60 Dance takes 60 one-minute compositions by emerging and established composers and assigns them to a mix of 60 local choreographers. The resulting collaborations are presented, without interruption, as a continuous performance synchronized to an on-stage analog clock. Dance influences range from ballet to postmodern movements, while music includes neo-romantic, folk, tech- house, noise, rock and everything but the kitchen sink. Eclectic by nature, 60×60 Dance offers an unmatched diversity of styles, making for a fast- speed, electrifying one-of-a-kind performance that never ceases to surprise.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s five-week season starting Dec. 2 at New York City Center will celebrate the Company’s groundbreaking Artistic Director Judith Jamison. As she embarks on her 20th year with AAADT Jami- son will be honored at a one-night-only opening benefit performance, hosted by Pauletta and Denzel Washington, and in a series of special programs including: Ronald K. Brown’s world premiere tribute “Dancing Spirit”, live onstage appearances by Anna Deavere Smith in Judith Jamison’s Emmy Award-winning “Hymn”, and a “Best of 20 Years” program featuring works commissioned or revived under Jamison’s leadership.