The Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company in Chelsea, New York
One of the many things that I love about New York is that there are so many events, activities and performances that are either free, or very affordable. Not too long ago, I went to a Lyle Lovett concert in Phoenix, and the ticket prices were $75. Everything worthwhile in Phoenix seems to cost an arm and a leg. Not so in Manhattan. I took a trip to the Big Apple last month, checked into a very fine room at the best New York City hotel in my opinion, the Chelsea Hotel, and headed out for adventure. And it was not long before I found it.
The Chelsea Art Museum is known for provocative and experimental bookings of live performance companies, and I happened upon a show for just $25. The Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Company was performing, accompanied by the live music of Reza Derakshani. The cool thing about this dance company is that they based their choreography on the exhibits of visual art that were hanging on the walls at the time in which they would be doing their show. The exhibit on the walls was titled “Iran Inside Out”. The installation of this visual art, was also the work of the accompanying musician, Derakshani.
It was one of the most unique dance experiences I have ever had. The dancers literally transformed themselves into the pieces of work by Derakshani, which served to combine the visual art world with the performance world of dance and music. And when I say ballet, we are not talking about tutus and men in tights. The company often performs in street clothes, which in my opinion and through my 35 year history of the dance world, brings the audience into the performance in a different way. Yes, the dancers are moving in ways that most people do not move, but they dress just like every person walking down the street. It somehow feels more real, more attainable. The New York Times always gives this company raving revues, and after my night with them in Chelsea, I know exactly why they do so.
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