LEFT: Jasmine Howell, Yu-Mein Wu. RIGHT: Sasha Caicedo, Leon Cobb. PHOTO CREDIT: Andy Milne.
There is an exhilaration when watching young dancers perform. They display their various strengths with dedication, energy and an innate passion that is infectious. Hours of work are put into the one moment in time that results in a performance. When it is over, the dancer and the audience is satiated.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Peter London Global Dance Company enriched a bare exhibit room of the Coral Gables Museum with a program entitled Caribbean & Latin Fire drawing on the range of diverse and steamy cultures in Miami.
With only ten dancers, Peter London produced a full program using his own choreography in three pieces and three compatible works by New World School of the Arts graduates who are now choreographers and dancers in their own right.
The snake-like Sasha Caicedo, the versatile Leon Cobb, the dramatic spitfire Angela Lowe and the technical virtuoso Yu-Mein Wu (who also serves as rehearsal director) were standouts throughout the show. It is easy to see that the company is comfortable in London’s movement. His joyous Fire in the Coal Pot offered an ensemble piece that enabled each dancer to “strut their stuff.” Canons, solo work, and duets to a range of music including calypso, jazz, blues and a rhythm of steel drums stirred a frenzy of colorful moves. As a much used performer, it would be great to see Heng-Hsuan Tsui break out of himself and let go, especially in a piece that calls for fun.
LEFT: Leon Cobb, Willie Williams, Heng-Hsuan Tsui. RIGHT: Angela Lowe and Leon Cobb, PHOTO CREDIT: Andy Milne.
In the jazzy, 78 - RMP, choreographed by Armando Gonzalez, Jasmine Howell moved with cool sultriness in her trio with Cobb and Tsui. Alejandra Martinez had some luscious moments in her solo, “Calle Florida” Buenos Dias. Caicedo, Wu and Tsui were humorous and charming in glowing ruffled unitards in Itokaga choreographed by Gentry Isaiah George. Take Five in the Summertime and Sing, choreographed by Luis Cuevas, made one feel the heat and sometimes, laziness, of summer.
A highlight of the afternoon was London’s, Carmen. This piece was a perfect vehicle for Caicedo, Cobb and Wu to unleash their passions and desires in this complex relationship trio. Swirling lifts, dynamic backbends, tense confrontations and moments of elation took us on a journey of death. It was perhaps a bit long for this intimate and smaller venue, but the audience was held captive.
Gratitude is given to the Coral Gables Museum for the synchronistic timing between two exhibits allowing space for this dance performance. Performing in a space that is challenging — with no lights, no wings, a hard surface (very difficult for dance) and an audience that is close enough to touch — makes dancers and choreographers think outside the box. Shoes become obsolete because they are slippery, exits and entrances must be re-choreographed, and the biggest challenge is that the dancers and the audience are looking eye to eye. Dancers, accustomed to being on a stage setting having the “third wall” of distance, can feel exposed and vulnerable. However, this all adds to the excitement of the performance, the confidence and growth of the dancer and many times, makes for a more intimate experience for the audience.
As a company striving to perform more, grow in repertory, technical ability and artistry, it is natural for the director to be a magician, able to work with “smoke and mirrors” in any setting. Just imagine what could be done with funding to allow for more rehearsal, creative time, competitive salaries and even health care for the dancers. Congratulations to Leon Cobb who is going to New York to join the well known, Martha Graham Company.
What if there was a reason for dancers to stay here in this great city of Miami? What if dancers would even make this their destination to dance and perform?
Look for PLGDC: Oct. 15, 7:30pm Cuban Hebrew Congregational Temple Beth Smhuel PLGDC, 1st Annual Benefit Dinner.
Oct. 17, 2015, Little Haiti Cultural Complex. In support of the 3rd Annual Victoria London Choreographers Showcase.
Dec. 18-20, “Dance/ing Under the Mistletoe,” Adrienne Arsht Center for the performing arts.
For more information or to donate to PLGDC please contact:
Hermina Patel-Rawal, at (469) 347-0008 or email: hermina@plgdc.org. Also information at www.plgdc.org.
