Tomorrow’s dancers go on stage
A completely professional production interpreted by top graduating students: Every year, Greece’s State School of Dance reminds us of its existence in the most dynamic fashion. Situated at the end of Omirou Street – in the building which housed Koula Pratsika’s legendary establishment – the school is currently undergoing rehearsal fever, as it does the same time every year. Young students, tomorrow’s dancers, prominent Greek and foreign guest choreographers are gearing up for this week’s «State School of Dance 2003 Show» scheduled to be presented at the Athens Concert Hall from today to Sunday. «This year’s annual show is the continuation of a four-year-old practice whose aim, right from the start, was to stage works by established Greek and foreign choreographers, performed by the school’s most promising students. Every year, the school chooses a theme for its productions. This year, the show is the result of efforts to bring together various dance styles from dance history,» notes Director Pavlina Veremi. From geometric precision to passion and athleticism to musical flow, this year’s performances are based on the following pieces by foreign choreographers: «Light Action: Ode to the Sun:» Excerpts from Martha Graham’s celebrated work were taught to the students by Denise Vale. A choreographer and former member of the Martha Graham Dance Company, Vale will also present a new piece of work, specially commissioned by the State School of Dance for the end-of-year shows. «X-Over» is a quick, dynamic piece with Farinelli’s voice in the background. «Fever:» Well-known to local audiences, British choreographer Richard Alston is inspired by Monteverdi’s Renaissance madrigals. «All that the Body Forgets:» In his second collaboration with the State School of Dance, innovative Flemish choreographer Wim Vandekeybus will use the dancers’ bodies to capture those tense moments that leave one without choice and where other factors decide on one’s behalf, which come suddenly and without warning, like when one falls in love just seconds before an unavoidable accident. In the Greek choreography department, New York-based Valia Alexandratou will present «Angel of Music,» a minimalist work based on music by Carl Orff, while Haris Mandafounis will present «The Reformer,» a choreography which has left its mark on the history of Greek dancing. Finally, Michalis Nalbantis will present excerpts from his most recent production, «Snap Republic,» a piece of work which, according to the artist, oscillates between reason and instinct. Running parallel to the dance performances is a photo exhibition by Alan Parker. Titled «Transitional States,» it will be held at the Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall foyer. Also, one hour before every performance, there will be screenings of films on dance, deriving from the cinematic «Forward Motion» exhibition. «State School of Dance 2003» at the Athens Concert Hall, 1 Kokkali & Vas. Sofias, tel 210.728.2000. From today to Sunday.
