"Ruth, Ricordi per Due" (choreography Gerald Arpino) | Dancers Claudia Lezcano and Fabian Morales | Photo by Yanis Eric Pikieris
It is indicative of these times that one of Jennifer Kronenberg’s, co-artistic director of Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, problems is finding face masks to match the dancer’s costumes.
The masks must be breathable and the dancers should feel comfortable performing in them.
Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami is presenting a live outdoor performance this weekend at South Miami- Dade Cultural Arts Center ( SMDCAC). Dimensions Dance Theatre is one of a few major companies in the area presenting live performance in this time of COVID-19.
Kronenberg says it’s exciting to be doing live performances again. “We also feel like we have a lot riding on our shoulders. We need to do it well and we need to do it right because it’s one of the first. However this goes it will determine not only for us, but for other companies how they can proceed for the rest of the year.’
Since Miami City Ballet presented "George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker" in Doral Park, there have not been any major outdoor performances of dance other than little pop-ups which can be seen here and there.
"Esferas" (choreographer Ariel Rose) | Dancers Alexey Minkin, Mayrel Martinez, Fabian Morales | Photo by Yanis Eric Pikieris
The company has been rehearsing since September for various events. The dancers came back to the studio incrementally. Kronenberg says they began by bringing very few dancers in to the studio, then brought dancers in who were couples. In all, there were 14 dancers making up a pod. The company decided to put their own protocol in place and everyone signed an agreement which included getting tested weekly for COVID-19, and foregoing social behavior outside of the company.
This Saturday, the company is presenting four pieces by different choreographers: "Esferas," "Castles in the Air"; "Ruth, Ricordi per Due", and "Adiemus."
"Esferas," choreographed by Ariel Rose, was last performed in Miami in 2017. It was performed in New York and at Jacob’s Pillow, and has become one of the company’s signature pieces.
"Castles in the Air" is making its World Premiere this Saturday. It was originally created for film by company member Yanis Eric Pikieris while the country was in lockdown. The piece was revamped for the stage and includes five dancers and a violinist.
"Castles in the Air." | Dancers Mayrel Martinez and Maikel Hernandez | Photo by Yanis Eric Pikieris
"RUTH, Ricordi per Due" is a Company Premiere choreographed by Gerald Arpino and is considered one of his great masterworks. It was the last piece he choreographed before he passed away. The piece is a beautifully heart wrenching about a man who is having a loving memory of his wife who has passed on. It is her memory that comes back in spirit form to perform a beautiful pas de deux with him. The piece represents an elegy of everything the country has gone through in the past year. Kronenberg and co-artistic director Carlos Guerra, felt it was necessary to make a comment and a tribute to that. "We couldn’t go through this program with any type of integrity if we didn’t present something that was noteworthy of the heaviness that everyone has felt. Almost everyone has experienced loss in the past year. It has hit close to home for so many people."
"Adiemus" is making its Company Premiere and was commissioned by South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center with choreography by Yanis Pikeris and David Palmer. It’s a brilliant, spiritual and hopeful work that cries out for togetherness, unity and hope for the future.
Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami's program is a way to venture forth in these pandemic times and to present a different way to experience dance in South Florida. And, it is something we definitely need.
Esferas (Chor. Ariel Rose) | Performance Photo (c) Simon Soong Dancers Fabian Morales, Gabriela Mesa, Josue Justiz
"Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami: Program 1" at South Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center Back Yard Concert Lawn and Plaza.
SMDCAC, 10950 S.W. 211 Street, Cutler Bay 33189; 786-573-5316.
Saturday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.
Tickets are sold in pods of two seats. Each pod is $45.
Find out more and buy tickets at: Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami and South Miami-dade Cultural Arts Center
