Celebratory moments

In 2007, several dance performances transported this critic to the realm of real delight, what I might call grateful witnessing.

By CAMILLE LEFEVRE, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: December 28, 2007 - 11:45 AM

Print this story

More from OnStage

In 2007, several dance performances transported this critic to the realm of real delight, what I might call grateful witnessing. Zenon Dance Company's 20th anniversary fall concert was one. The stellar company, in peak condition, tuned its expressive dancing to the emotional tenor of the high-spirited audience, creating an unforgettable show that was celebratory for both doers and viewers.

Les Studios Kabako's "Festival of Lies" was equally memorable -- in a radically different way. Faustin Linyekula and his company engaged the audience in a multi-layered work of performance art encapsulating the Congo's horrific cultural and political history. Words, images and movements from the work continue to resonate with harrowing implications, especially in light of the African nation's recent descent into chaos and possible civil war.

Other notable performances by out-of-towners included William Forsythe: Chamber Works featuring Minnesota native Dana Casperson, who embodied the Forsythian deconstruction of the balletic idiom with casual aplomb and ferocious precision. And (also at Walker Art Center's wonderful theater for dance) the Stephen Petronio Company was breathtaking in a series of intricately rigorous works with brilliant cutaway costumes, plaintive music by Rufus Wainwright and angelic singing by the Minnesota Boy Choir.

Minnesota Dance Theater delivered a kinetically stunning and personality-driven fall concert of delightfully eclectic works. The Metropolitan Ballet triumphed in the new "A Midsummer Night's Dream" choreographed by Jennifer Hart and a vibrant reconstruction of Agnes DeMille's iconic "Rodeo."

The Momentum Series included a creepy, mesmerizing new work by Cathy Wright, "Return," packed with symbolism, ritual, a gothic/grunge aesthetic and speed-metal score. More, please.

Conversely, Jennifer Ilse plumbed the depths of the schizophrenic mind in her "Maggie's Brain" for Off-Leash Area, with profound emotional honesty and choreographic integrity.

My final fond memory of the year was small in scale and big in impact. Twin Cities dancer Justin Leaf appeared as a guest artist in a class I was teaching this fall. After accepting four different movements, shapes and emotions from the students, he improvised a solo -- to music he'd heard on an airplane -- of exquisite poignancy, emotional recognition and unfolding artistry. It was a gift gratefully accepted with an open mind and heart.

Camille LeFevre is a Twin Cities dance critic.