ARPINO FESTIVAL

Review By Celia Ipiotis

There was a time when NYC enjoyed the greatness of three ballet companies: The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater and NYC Ballet. After the death of founder Joffrey Ballet Company founder, Robert Joffrey, the board experienced a rift and the company disbanded, then re-assembled in Chicago in 1995.

After these many years, The Gerald Arpino Foundation organiozed an ambitious presentation at the Joyce Theater scanning Gerald Arpino’s repertory for the Joffrey Ballet during its NYC days.

Confetti, a lighthearted ballet to the music of Rossini allowed dancers to shine in little swathes of solos and duets for three couples. Performed by a lovely company, Artistic Ventures in Dance (AVID), the gossamer costumes by Christina Giannini and the jangling tambourines added a festive quality to the intricately patterned steps.

L’Air D’Esprit featured Misa Kuranaga and Angelo Greco soared in the high classical ballet tradition replete with over-the-head lifts and speedy, multiple turns. Greco energetically lifted Kuranaga releasing her mid-air and catching her in the nick of time. Both were admirable in their solos, displaying a glittery technique and cheery aplomb.

Dedicated to the rapidly vanishing men due to AIDS and in particular to James R. Howell, The Joffrey Ballet performs Round of Angels. A central duet was surrounded by dancers spread out.  In this moodily lit (Thomas Skelton) modern ballet, dancers used all the spatial dimensions,  curling into the floor and then floating up in the air. 

Finally, the winsome Birthday Variations drew together the Oklahoma City Ballet in another demonstration of Arpino’s love of classical ballet, its symmetry, delicacies and beauty.

This was a fine reminder of days gone by, when ballet companies flourished in all corners of the city.

EYE ON THE ARTS, NY — Celia Ipiotis