The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble has earned national acclaim as a champion of African-American dance.
The Denver troupe beautifully showcases that commitment in a production that opened Thursday evening at Gates Concert Hall. It features works by Alvin Ailey and two former members of his company who have become significant choreographers in their own right.
The program opens with Ailey’s “Escapades,” given its world premiere by an Italian company in 1983. It offers his typical mix of jazz and modern dance, with struts, spins and sometimes elastic extensions.
Although any opportunity to see a work by the celebrated choreographer should not be missed, this half-hour piece does not show Ailey at his best. There is too much sameness to the mostly grounded movement. That said, it would be hard to imagine a more committed and polished performance, especially by the two perfectly paired soloists – the commanding, dynamic Lawrence Jackson and Orialis Serrano, with her dazzling, long-legged kicks.
The evening’s highlight was arguably “Nine Ninas,” a 2004 piece set to a compelling Nina Simone soundtrack by Christopher Huggins. It examines the contemporary state of male-female relations, with a series of mostly alternating solos and duets culminating in a joyous union of all 13 of the company’s superb dancers.
Each of the nine sections (hence the title) has its own distinctive character. Setting the tone was a fiery, assertive, even aggressive opening duet featuring two spectacular performers – Michelle Knudsen, who at one point does a stunning, fast-action handstand into the arms of Terrell Davis.
Rounding out the evening is Milton Myers’ “Rain Dance,” the company’s signature work. This kinetic work, set to the pulsing electronic music of Jean Michel Jarre, has held up well since its creation 20 years ago.
The program will be repeated at 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
