Wylliams-Henry Contemporary Dance Company

September 2012 Concert

Sept 15, 16, 2012
White Recital Hall, UMKC Campus in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)

This is the start of Wylliams-Henry's 21st Season

The Program

Holly DeWitt, Shanna Colbern, Hassan Ingraham, (below) Purcell Turner, (back) Michele Cox, Ed Franklin, (back) Miyesha McGriff, Joe Pilgram “Whispering Bench” Choreography: Mary Pat Henry Music: Traditional Appalachian Music Musician: Yo Yo Ma Costumes: Judy Phieffer Dancers: Shanna Colbern, Michele Cox, Holly DeWitt, Edward Franklin, Hassam Ingraham, Miyesha McGriff, Joseph Pilgram, Purcell Turner Winston Dynamite Brown, DeeAnnaHiett "Behavior" Choreography: Gary Abbott Music: Ingram Marshall Costumes: Gary Abbott Dancers: Winston Dynamite Brown, DeeAnnaHiett "If we would take a moment to walk in the path of someone's life that is not our own, what would happen? Would we understand ourselves better?" Elizabeth Lane, Michael Tomlinson, Purcell Turner “E. what SAY YOU” Choreography: Winston Dynamite Brown Music: Eugene Ysaye Musician: Elizabeth Lane Costumes: Winston Dynamite Brown Dancers: Brittany Duskin, Kassan Ingraham, Michael Tomlinson, Purcell Turner From W/H release: "... a world premiere to the music of Eugene Ysaye  with guest artist Elizabeth Lane, Artistic Director of Bach Aria Soloist. This premiere is a play on the idea of a new court set in modern times. Ritual, relating, sharing, leading and following made up the sense of community for all walks of life. Inspired by the beautiful musical interpretation by Elizabeth Lane, this work for two couples is unique collaboration recreating the elements of a Renaissance Court in today’s age." Purcell Turner (front) with Michael Tomlinson and Ed Franklin Brittany Duskin “Diversion of Angels’ Choreographer: Martha Graham Repetiteur: Miki Orihara Music: Norman DelloJoio Costumes: Martha Graham Dancers: Winston Dynamite Brown, Shanna Colbern, Michele Cox, Holly DeWitt, Brittany Duskin, Edward Franklin, Kassan Ingraham, Miyshea McGriff, Alessandra Perdichizzi, Michael Tomlinson, Purcell Turner (quotes from the program - next two paragraphs) "It is the place of the Rock and the Ladder, the raven, the blessing, the tempter, the rose. It is the wish of the single-hearted, the undivided: play after spirit's labor: games, flights, fancies, configurations of the lover's intention: the beloved Possiblity, at once strenuous and tender: humors of innocence, garlands, evangels, Joy on the wilderness stair; diversion of angels."-Ben Belitt The capitals are as the poem was written and not a mistake The dance follows no story. Its action takes place in the imaginary garden love creates for itself. Martha Graham described Diversion of Angels as the three aspects of love: the white couple represents mature love in perfect balance; red, erotic love; and yellow, adolescent love. - Intermission - Hassan Ingraham, Michael Tomlinson “Evidence of Souls Not Seen” Choreography: Leni Wylliams Music: Gustav Mahler and Edward Elgar Costumes: Leni Wylliams Dancers: Winston Dynamite Brown, Hassan Ingraham, Michael Tomlinson From W/H release: "Poignant men’s trio honoring those who have passed on and their spirit and love that remains with us." Michele Cox, Shanna Colbern “Variations” Choreography: Milton Myers Music: William Catanzano Costumes: Milton Myers Costume Construction: Laura Powell Dancers: Michele Cox, Shanna Colbern, Holly DeWitt, Brittany Duskin From W/H release: "... showcases the technical prowess of the four dancers. Resembling chess game and a series of check and checkmate movements, the dancers leap, and turn and explodes with relentless energy on stage." Winston Dynamite Brown "Sweet In The Morning" Choreography: Leni Wylliams Music: Bobby McFarrin Costumes: Leni Wylliams Dancer: Winston Dynamite Brown   “Moore in Time” Choreography: Mary Pat Henry Music: Tan Dun, Symphony 1997 Costumes: Antonia Ford Roberts Costume Construction: Laura Powell Projection Design: Greg Casparian Projection Sculptures: Henry Moore Dancers: Winston Dynamite Brown, Shanna Colbern, Michele Cox, Holly DeWitt, Brittany Duskin, Ed­ward Franklin, DeeAnna Hiett, Kassan Ingraham, Miyesha McGriff, Michael Tomlinson, Purcell Turner From W/H release: "Multi-media work inspired by the sculptures of renowned artist, Henry Moore. Dancers become kinetic images of abstract shapes in inter-related formations. With an emotional connection to each other, the dancers hurl themselves through space in daring lifts and intricate partnering against the images of Henry Moore."

 

Below are a few pictures from rehearsal of "Diversion of Angels."
I think one of the amazing items about this piece is that it still feels fresh.
At least part of that fresh feel is that you can see directly what Graham created rather than
watching derivative works by later artists who copied her, conciously or otherwise.
This is a 1948 choreography and you also see a lot of moves which show up later
(make that still) in choreography from later choreographers, as part of the modern canon, so to speak,
including, of course, Paul Taylor who was a Graham soloist before starting his own company.

After The Run Through of Graham's "Diversion of Angels" Sat. Sept. 1

All the Wylliams/Henry dancers in "Diversion .." with Graham principal dancer and repetiteur, Miki Orihara before she goes back.
Peering around the door is dancer Latra Wilson (Winston's wife). Left to right, Winston Brown (on knee),
(top) Hassan Ingraham, Holly DeWitt, Ed Franklin, Miki Orihara, Michael Tomlinson,
Purcell Turner, Brittany Duskin, Michele Cox, Alessandra Perdichizzi Shanna Colbern, Miyesha McGriff.

(top row) Hassan Ingraham, Holly DeWitt, Ed Franklin, Purcell Turner, Brittany Duskin, Michael Tomlinson,
(front row) Winston Brown, Michele Cox, Shanna Colbern, Alessandra Perdichizzi, Miyesha McGriff.

Studio Rehearsal at Bolender - Tues Aug. 28

Graham company dancer Miki Orihara directs W/H dancers in rehearsal for Diversion Of Angels - at KC Ballet's Todd Bolender Center 28 August 2012. Miki is one of Graham's principal dancers and has been with that company since 1987 as well as doing independent work.

 

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