Ancient and In the Instant

Blue13 is a spirited marriage of music and dance from multiple traditions/styles. Indian classical. Bollywood. Modern Dance. Commercial theater dance. Hip Hop. From the joyous to the dark. Pure movement to heavy symbolism. All these elements came together at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on the weekend of February 21 – 22, 2020.

How can anyone put these pieces together and not have a chaotic mess? Artistic Director Achinta S. McDaniel and Associate Artistic Director Jon Paul know the answer: absolute respect and diligent education in each dance form are required. With those investments, artistry and craft can come together to create a beautiful crazy quilt that takes us on a journey from ecstasy to the darkest corners of humanity. And at the end, we were very glad to be there.

Each work had color signatures, a blended mix of music and movement styles distinctly connected to multiple lineages, and a unique personality.

Blue13 Dance Company performing the West Coast premiere of “F**k Fusion Version2: Or, How to/Not to Be Adequately Indian” by Artistic Director/choreographer Achinta McDaniel – Photo by Kevin Parry

The opening work, entitled F*ck Fusion Version2 set the tone and expectations. This company does its own thing, bringing a multiplicity of influences together, boldly going in every direction with clear structure and a twinkle in the eye. It began awash in cool greens and blues, and ended in bold red/black silhouettes.

The second piece, titled Diya aur Toofan, was a celebration of all the forms, the music and the colors. Curious about the title, I learned it refers to the lamp in the storm, and a story that has been made into popular films 3 times since the 1960’s in India. Although the storm blows, the lamp is steadfast and lights the way. The color palette of brilliant reds, magentas and gold on the stage and on the bodies, flew in a rhythmic dance of Indian gesture where the groupings and interplay of figures on stage hearkened to the weavings of modern dance. Or Hip Hop.

Blue13 Dance Company performing “Diya aur Toofan” by Artistic Director/choreographer Achinta McDaniel – Photo by Kevin Parry

The longer 3^rd work Terpsichore in Ghungroos: Among Whispers was a world premiere of deep symbolism and an investigation of social justice. The recurring visual theme of an antique-style hoop skirt frame was displayed, explored and worn. The skirt evokes the repression of the Victorian era. Without fabric, the frame becomes just that – a frame through which to examine swinging motion. It is also a cage that binds people to a space, or ways of being. It is a garment, a toy, an artifact. With the skirt frames and without, the relationships among men, women, leaders, followers, dominators and slaves were expressed in movement, light, wardrobe, and the faces of the dancers. True to its title, this work channeled Terpsichore, the goddess of the dance in Greek mythology. She was honored to be wearing Ghungroos – the bells worn by Indian dancers to accentuate the rhythmic elements of the dance, and allow the complex foot patterns to be heard in detail. The work expresses truth and mystery both ancient and in the instant. There are stories, archetypes, and injustices that come from the distant past and are still expressed today. We must never forget them, and we must be ever conscious to try and change some of them.

Blue13 Dance Company performing “Diya aur Toofan” by Artistic Director/choreographer Achinta McDaniel – Photo by Kevin Parry

Throughout the evening the dancers were ferocious in the best possible way. Each artist was deeply energetic, focused and poised. They delighted when they knew they were about to throw a surprising move, and were drawn with grief as they exposed their bodies and hearts while crawling through trauma. The dancers’ technical prowess matched their performance skills.

The dancers were blessed to be supported by an array of musical expression. Pop, jazz, street, hip hop, and Indian of all flavors came recorded and live. The assembled musicians and composers were strongly percussive, but it wasn’t all about the drums. Bass, violin, and sarangi gave resonant voicings, creating smooth connective tissue among the sections of Terpsichore in Gungroos: Among Whispers.

Blue13 Dance Company performing the world premiere of “Terpsichore in Ghungroos, Dear Mr. Khan” by Artistic Director/choreographer Achinta McDaniel (L-R) Ali Carreras, Kistina Pressler – Photo by Kevin Parry

The lighting and projection design were bold. Vivid colors ruled for the explosions of bliss, and in the moments of darkness, the depth of shadow never prevented a clear view of the proceedings. The interplay of light and color enhanced, and at times emphasized the action onstage.

The program did not mention wardrobe, but I wish to. Every garment spoke to the feeling of the dance – from the traditional Indian bright colors to natty black lacy dresses and tunics, and the near-nude layerings under the hoop skirts.

The deft blending of such a myriad of pieces – movement styles, colors, light, music and costume is the hallmark an organization that not only dives deep into study, but knows how to make choices that deliver a punch. I want to see them again. You need to see them.

The members of the company included: Jacquelyn Buckmaster-Wright, Omar Israel Canedom Alisa Carreras, Robert Christopher Gomez, Kirby Harrell, Kistina Pressler, Nateli M. Ruiz, Myra Joy Veluz, Adrianna Vieux

The musicians included: Alma Cielo, Enrique Lara, Paul Livingstone, Dhol Nation; Lighting Design & Production Management was by Eileen Cooley; and Projection Design by Sean Cawelti.

Written by Mary Pat Cooney for LA Dance Chronicle, February 25, 2020.

To visit the Blue13 Dance Company website, click here.

Featured image: Blue13 Dance Company performing the world premiere of “Terpsichore in Ghungroos, Dear Mr. Khan” by Artistic Director/choreographer Achinta McDaniel – L-R: Jackie Buckmaster-Wright, Jainil Mehth – Photo by Kevin Parr