2008 Woodie Awards
Cyrus Art Productions' NC debut
Ali Duffy
Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
The theatre was overfilled, the show sold out, as Cyrus Art Productions had its North Carolina debut in the UNC Greensboro Dance Theatre Nov. 3-4. Founded by assistant professor of dance, Duane Cyrus, the organization revealed exciting works in collaboration with UNC Greensboro students, and highlighted historically renowned works performed by elite professional guest artists from the American Ballet Theatre, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.
The first dance work, following a soulful vocal solo that opened the show, was a piece that was also performed in the North Carolina Dance Festival, entitled "Atmosphere for Missing You." Sharp, provocative solos and minimal costumes and music were the most memorable parts of the work. The dancing was precise and strong throughout, and the variety of body types was aesthetically fascinating.
"The Mask That Grins and Lies," a solo performance art piece danced by Cyrus himself showcased his theatricality and inner monologues that have helped shape him. Personifying a variety of characters including a dancer named Roger, a cocky street character named "Akhil" and a drag queen, Cyrus incorporated dialogical text with large, arm initiated movements, reminiscent of Alvin Ailey's style. Inspired by the Paul Laurence Dunbar poem "We Wear the Mask," it was, according to the artist, about the "masks" we each wear in society, disguising our true selves. However, this theme could have been developed more effectively, because it seemed that the focus was more on AIDS awareness and struggle.
After a brief intermission, guest artist Katherine Crockett, a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company brilliantly captivated the audience with Graham's glorious solo "Lamentation," circa 1930. The dance is a portrait of mourning and loss, with Crockett, costumed in a stretchy purple sheath, stretching and writhing, remaining seated throughout the piece. Perfectly curved lines and simple, but stunning undulations of her torso were breathtaking.
The first dance work, following a soulful vocal solo that opened the show, was a piece that was also performed in the North Carolina Dance Festival, entitled "Atmosphere for Missing You." Sharp, provocative solos and minimal costumes and music were the most memorable parts of the work. The dancing was precise and strong throughout, and the variety of body types was aesthetically fascinating.
"The Mask That Grins and Lies," a solo performance art piece danced by Cyrus himself showcased his theatricality and inner monologues that have helped shape him. Personifying a variety of characters including a dancer named Roger, a cocky street character named "Akhil" and a drag queen, Cyrus incorporated dialogical text with large, arm initiated movements, reminiscent of Alvin Ailey's style. Inspired by the Paul Laurence Dunbar poem "We Wear the Mask," it was, according to the artist, about the "masks" we each wear in society, disguising our true selves. However, this theme could have been developed more effectively, because it seemed that the focus was more on AIDS awareness and struggle.
After a brief intermission, guest artist Katherine Crockett, a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company brilliantly captivated the audience with Graham's glorious solo "Lamentation," circa 1930. The dance is a portrait of mourning and loss, with Crockett, costumed in a stretchy purple sheath, stretching and writhing, remaining seated throughout the piece. Perfectly curved lines and simple, but stunning undulations of her torso were breathtaking.
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