Last Tuesday, the Stars of American Ballet presented an astounding and thrilling performance at the Kahilu Theatre. Multiple duos and a trio performed ten pieces in several dance styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, swing, and ballroom.
“Light Rain” was the second piece performed in the program and was choreographed, in 1981, for the Joffrey Ballet, by Gerald Arpino. “Light Rain” was groundbreaking for its time and continues to be a profound piece for performers and audiences alike. Lighting design was integral in setting a mood for this alluring composition, with hazy shifting patterns of streaming light. Dancers Unity Phelan and Aaron Sanz’s movements and transitions were executed flawlessly and with phenomenal musicality throughout this challenging original score, composed by Russ Gauthier and Douglas Adamz.
“Tres Hombres” is performed and choreographed by Denys Drozdyuk, Daniel Ulbricht, and Sebastian Villarini. Those three charismatic dancers took to the stage with captivating precision in their fantastic tricks and dizzying turns
The program came to an end with the audience roaring in applause, mesmerized by the exquisite artistry of the performers. Who made even the most delicate movements, as purposeful as their jumps and turns, which were nothing less than spectacular!
About the author: Rayna Morphis is in her senior year of high school and has trained in Jazz, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, Competitive Dance, and Classical Ballet. She is currently undergoing a teaching apprenticeship with Virginia Holte, Founder and Artistic Director of West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy. They are preparing her for the upcoming summer Teacher Training Intensive with ABT for certification in the Primary ballet levels. Rayna hopes to continue in her education and certification through to the advanced levels of teaching, with the ultimate goal and desire to one day join a dance company such as The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
Photos: Steve Roby
Read an interview with director and choreographer Daniel Ulbricht here.