Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet presented the world premiere of Etudes, following an encore performance of Seeds of Rain on August 12th, 2023 at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex at California State Los Angeles. The evening was striking in artistic and technical nature, leaving me in awe of the choreographic work and the dancers abilities.
Beginning with Seeds of Rain, the dancers swept the stage wearing blue and yellow velvet leotards. Rogers has an analytical choreographic eye when it comes to transitioning dancers through the space in a hypnotic way. The movement flows in and out of the landscape with fluidity and grace, reminding me of water that travels through a river’s bend.
Raifor Rodgers Modern Ballet – L-R Anna Jacobs, Laura Chachich, Hannah Keene in “Seeds of Rain” by Raiford Rogers – Photo by Anne Trelease
Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet dancers never cease to amaze me with their technical skill and dynamic presence. Performers Sadie Black, McKenzie Byne, Bobbie Briscoe, Joshua Brown, Laura Chachich, Lilly Fife, Lester Gonzales, Anna Jacobs, Hannah Keene, Tate Lee, Tetyana Martyanova, Santiago Paniagua, Elise Pekarek, Jasmine Perry, Lucas Segovia, and Mate Szentes showcase immense technical skill that defies all expectations. The athletic rigor paired with artistic grace creates a sensation of both amazement and satisfaction as an audience member.
Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet – Dancers Lester Gonzales, Bobby Briscoe, Anna Jacobs in “Seeds of Rain” by Raiford Rogers – Photo by Company
Paintings by Mike Nava were projected onto the backdrop of the stage, creating a landscape for the dancers to dynamically weave in and out of. Accompanied by the music of Philip Glass’ Mad Rush with Mark Alan Hilt and Czech composer Zbynek Mateju’s Three Stones Concerto featuring pianist Helena Sucharova Weiser and the Hradec Kralove Philharmonic Orchestra , the performers beautifully reflected the intricacies of both the art and music with their dancing bodies.
Rogers’ Etudes concludes the evening with a more ominous tone. Set to Philip Glass’ Etudes 5 and 12 and Prophecies from Koyannisquati, the work reflected the narrative of music with attention to detail and energy. Hui Wu (pianist) was commissioned to record the music Etudes. The company presents itself as a modern ballet dance company. Using the apparent languages of Graham and Cunningham while layering a balletic vocabulary over the choreography, Rogers successfully produces work that pays respect to all disciplines involved.
Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet – Lucas Segovia in “Etudes” by Raiford Rogers – Photo by Anne Trelease
The choreographic choices of Etudes were architectural and relational with the bodies in space. Dancers partnered one another with incredible strength while counterbalancing one anothers weight. Flowing through solo performances, duets, and large group work, the dancers maintained a focus on relationships with the other dancers on the stage. These relationships, curated by Rogers and executed by the performers, felt intimate and meaningful to the narrative of the piece.
Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet – Tetyana Martyanova in “Etudes” by Raiford Rogers – Photo by Anne Trelease
It was an evening of dancing that was performed with masterful skill and analytical curation. Although the choreography can at times feel repetitive, Rogers’ dancers have a way at making each step seem as if it is brand new. It is always a great pleasure to see the work that Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet is producing, and I surely cannot wait to see what Rogers creates next.
For more information about Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet, please visit their website.
This review was edited on 8/20/23 to include credits for pianist Hui Wu.
Written by Rebecca Lee for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured photo: Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet – Tetyana Martyanova in Etudes by Raiford Rogers – Photo by Mike Nava.
