Dance at the Odyssey’s presentation of Leah Zeiger’s “You Live In My Spine” on July 11, 2024, read like an obtuse tale of exploration in its program notes; “created from the Body Memory Method” derived from a “somatic Methodology.”   The expectation was perhaps to view a contemporary breast-beating litany of experiments that only the creator understood. But…this evening was not that. Not only was it a surprise, but a moving and exceptional experience.

Alexis Amundarain, in You Live in my Spine by Leah Zeiger- Photo by Leah Zeiger.

Alexis Amundarain, in You Live in my Spine by Leah Zeiger- Photo by Leah Zeiger.

To begin with, Zeiger’s ability to transcend the words on the page left the audience quiet, respectful, and stunned in the darkened theatre. She guided through the movement, bringing her understanding to the audience. It began with just walking while performing very individual and recurring gestures of communication and carried through individually by each dancer, Amanda Sun, Alondra Zitlaly Pérez, Amina Yufanyi, and Lexi Amundarain. All having such varying body types, movement disciplines, and stories to tell, they added a personal dimension to Zeiger’s excellent ability to design in dance form. These subtle changes and configuration brought by a choreographer who planned the approach to the work was a pleasant relief. The dance for two between Sun and Yufanyi explored aspects of relationships, love, combat, and reconciliation in unique encounters and design. Strong in their own body presence, they unfolded their transitions with electric energy and commitment. Zitlaly Pérez’s joy and vulnerability countered with Amundarain’s heart break exposed not only the characters of the piece but the dancers themselves.

(L-R) Alexis Amundarain, Alondra Perez in "You Live in my Spine" by Leah Zeiger - Photo by Leah Zeiger.

(L-R) Alexis Amundarain, Alondra Perez in “You Live in my Spine” by Leah Zeiger – Photo by Leah Zeiger.

It was clear Zeiger and dancer’s creative willingness to experiment, configure, then break apart the movements, surprised and delighted the viewer and left one waiting, anticipating, then relaxing into each new section. The personal was never forfeited throughout the piece but a kind of love was built by each story-teller-dancer and melded so musically with their communication.

(L-R) Top row: Alexis Amundarain, Alondra Perez - Bottom row: Amanda Sun, Amina Yufanyi in "You Live in my Spine" by Leah Zeiger - Photo by Leah Zeiger.

(L-R) Top row: Alexis Amundarain, Alondra Perez – Bottom row: Amanda Sun, Amina Yufanyi in “You Live in my Spine” by Leah Zeiger – Photo by Leah Zeiger.

Throughout, this piece never forgot or disregarded the outstanding music of Max Berlin, a Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, producer and songwriter. His, at times lyrical then melodic and then rhythmic bombast, built, then relaxed, to sonically expose his humanity. Berlin’s musical creative brilliance was a true relief from the white noise and meaningless squawks attempting to intellectualize the art of dance. It was this respect and collaboration, with Zieger’s thoughtful work, that made this an honest serious endeavor to be considered. One recognized anew throughout the piece, how music can support, enhance and dramatize dance. And when truly melded together with thought and care, can create a work of art.

Only one hour long, it made a universal statement of love, struggle and so much more, that proved there is another side to an angst-ridden world. It is a gem.

To learn more about Leah Zeiger, please visit her website.

To learn more about Dance at the Odyssey, please visit their website.

Dance at the Odyssey continues through July 14 with TORRENT, Caitlin Javech, Gianna Burright (July 13 at 2pm & 8PM); and G.U.M., Genna Moroni & Helene Bouboulis (July 14 at 2PM).


Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.

Featured image: (L-R) Top row: Alexis Amundarain, Alondra Perez Bottom row: Amanda Sun, Amina Yufanyi in “You Live in my Spine” by Leah Zeiger – Photo by Leah Zeiger.