Dancer Rachel Paradis in the Maine State Ballet program “Dancer’s Choice.” Photo courtesy of Maine State Ballet
In a baker’s dozen of works, dancers of the Maine State Ballet took advantage of the opportunity to present a brief but vibrant sampling of their talents before a large audience on Thursday night.
The roughly one-hour program held at the Lopez Theater within the company’s Falmouth headquarters, presented a “Dancer’s Choice” of newly choreographed and reimagined classical works, most lasting just a few minutes each.
Impressions of these very short pieces were inevitably fleeting but most revealed technically impressive passages that the appreciative, multi-generational audience recognized with applause. The most engaging works also held elements of lyricism, grace and bits of humor, not trying to show too much, or too little, within their allotted time.
Company stalwart Trevor Seymour’s original “melancholiac” mixed high kicks with side steps, evoking a mix of emotions perhaps apropos of the title (the printed program offered no notes about the works, their recorded musical accompaniment or costuming).
Another Maine State Ballet star, Adrienne Pelletier, presented her colorful piece, “Dreaming” in a long, flowing skirt that brought to mind elegance and grace. Her dance was later matched by a more formal “Variation from Emeralds” from her sister Rhiannon Pelletier.
Dancer Agnes Norman in the Maine State Ballet program “Dancer’s Choice.” Photo courtesy of Maine State Ballet
Agnes Norman offered an exuberant “Summer Fairy from Cinderella” while Rachel Paradis’ “Orange Solo from Birthday Variations” had a classical feel. Macey Brenner’s long limbs were perfect for her “Awakening of Flora,” and Arie Eiten provided a muscular “Act 2 Prince from Sleeping Beauty.”
Jessica Bartlett danced an expressive “Sunday,” Aidan Volk an energetic “Variation from La Bayadère,” Sydney Morrison a folksy “Mustardseed Fairy from A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Kate Bender a subtle “Variation from Le Talisman.” All impressed in their brief moments at center stage.
The first half of the program finished with a slightly longer work choreographed by Artistic Director Linda MacArthur Miele. Set to music by Felix Mendelssohn, “Capriccio” introduced a vivacious Emma Davis, along with Agnes Norman, Rachel Paradis, Trevor Seymore and Jessica Bartlett, fresh off their solo turns, in a piece that felt both vigorous and playful. Dancers, dressed in black and white costumes, created an effervescent atmosphere that filled the wide stage.
“Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto,” choreographed by Assistant Director Glenn Davis, who also performed in the piece, finished the evening on a high note. With touches of a modern geometric sensibility, the work provided fascinating ensemble passages as well as an entrancing pas de deux from Davis with Adrienne Pelletier that matched complex lifts with a delicate sense of balance and proportion. Rebekah Bennett, Anna Cook, Emma Samuelson, Silvia Savic and Caroline Stratis completed the cast with appropriate verve.
This engaging “Dancer Choice” program likely whetted the appetites of ballet enthusiasts for the tasty delights of “Hansel and Gretel,” the next fully staged production by the Maine State Ballet, which is scheduled for August.
Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.
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