Over the past several years, Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company (LACDC) has produced a series of extraordinary dance films including Finding MEEMOO, with choreography by filmmaker and LACDC ‘s current Artistic Director Jamila Glass; Summon, directed by Jamila Glass, choreographed by former artistic director Genevieve Carson; LOST MIND, a narrative dance film exploration of the psyche by director, writer, and choreographer Sara Silkin; The Key of C, directed and choreographed by Genevieve Carson; Blink, directed by Nathan Kim, choreographed by Genevieve Carson; FAM, directed by Nathan Kim and choreographed by Genevieve Carson; and Phrase directed by Benjamin Shearn and choreographed by Kate Hutter Mason.
Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company in “INSECTOS: arte y vida” – Choreography by Elías Aguirre – Photo by Noah Jaxson Griffin & Joy Isabella Brown
The company’s latest dance film is INSECTOS: arte y vida (Insects: art and life) choreographed by Madrid-based choreographer Elías Aguirre, produced, directed and edited by Jamila Glass and filmed in 2021 at Stomping Ground L.A. INSECTOS: arte y vida is an intense, mysterious and somewhat ritualistic work during which Aquirre brilliantly exploits the use of two choreographic techniques: repetition and unison to create what he describes as the “harmony between the heartbreaking and the subtle beauty of what happens on the tiny, improvised stages of invisible nature.”
(L-R) Ryan Ruiz and Kate Coleman in “INSECTOS: arte y vida” – Choreography by Elías Aguirre – Photo by Noah Jaxson Griffin & Joy Isabella Brown
Based on the Elías Aguirre production of “Insecto Primitivo,” the film’s synopsis helps the viewer to understand his intent: “Insects have a life comparable to a dance: short, ephemeral and intense.” INSECTOS: arte y vida is so much more, its longevity aided of course by being captured on film. Aguirre humanizes his subjects, gives them personalities and hence the viewer can not miss the comparison between the two species – insects and humans. Both work together and separately for the “better good” of their species and both often fail in the process, causing them to call upon another to come to their aid.
Tess Hewlett in “INSECTOS: arte y vida” – Choreography by Elías Aguirre – Photo by Noah Jaxson Griffin & Joy Isabella Brown
SPAIN Dances is a dance program of the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain. It was “conceived to provide professional opportunities for Spanish dances and choreographers in the United States.” In 2021 SPAIN Dances partnered with LACDC by sponsoring Aguirre and Ruth Muelas as choreography assistant for a week-long residency, November 29-December 4, 2021. The result was this incredible 14 plus minute dance film INSECTOS: arte y vida.
The film’s environment is dark, hazy and occasionally out of focus. Glass’s editing and the penetrating music by Portuguese composer Jorge da Rocha transport Aguirre’s vision to a higher level of strength, causing a sense of urgency and impending doom. This is not unlike what our world is currently experiencing with Climate Change.
Members of LACDC in “INSECTOS: arte y vida” – Choreography by Elías Aguirre – Photo by Noah Jaxson Griffin & Joy Isabella Brown
The incredible cast of INSECTOS: arte y vida include LACDC members Christian Beasley, Hyosun Choi, Kate Coleman, Jamila Glass, Nicole Hagen, Colleen Hendricks, Tess Hewlett, Marlon Pelayo, JM Rodriguez, and Ryan Ruiz.
Other credits include Cinematographer: Noah Jaxson Griffin, Wardrobe Stylist: Angel Tyson, Lighting Technician: Claire Chrzan, B Camera Operator: Joy Isabella Brown, Assistant Director: Ayesha Orange, Wardrobe Stylist Assistant: Ryan Ruiz, and Production Assistants: Jolie Ponchetti, Derrick Paris. LACDC’s Executive Director is Napoleon Gladney.
INSECTOS: arte y vida is now available for rental. To find out how, please click HERE.
For more information, please visit the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Members of LACDC in INSECTOS: arte y vida – Choreography by Elías Aguirre – Photo by Noah Jaxson Griffin & Joy Isabella Brown
Corrections were made to this article on 2/5/2022.
