Architecture of the dance

By Alyssa Herter
Western Herald

(Chyn Wey Lee / Western Herald ) Chicago-based dance company The Moving Architects performed “Brass Figures” on Saturday at the Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center. Members from left: Alison Riazi, Erin Carlisle Norton, Anna Goldman and Stefanie Karlin.

On Sept. 13, Erin Carlisle Norton’s dance company, The Moving Architects, performed “Brass Figures,” a dance concert which included two contrasting pieces: “1001 Afternoons in Chicago,” and “This Sandy Cube,” at the Wellspring Theater at Epic Center in Kalamazoo.

“1001 Afternoons in Chicago” is based on six short stories written in the 1920s by Chicago journalist Ben Hecht.  The story lines are simple to follow and transition quickly, making this a perfect show for anyone with a short attention span.

Each element of the piece,  particularly costume choices based on illustrations from the printed stories, tie together to create a very whimsical aesthetic. The choreography is fluid and playful, which nicely compliments the 1920s theme of the piece.

In contrast, “This Sandy Cube” has a very stark, modern feel. The dancers move in a much more mechanical manner. This second half of Brass Figures is inspired by contemporary Chicago writer Dave Eggers’ short story, “Another.” The story line is difficult to follow without being previously acquainted with the author’s work, however the piece is captivating regardless. “This Sandy Cube” features original music by Ian Hatcher, “which really helps,” said Carlisle Norton. This performance marked the world premier of “This Sandy Cube.”

When asked what the experience of being part of a world premier piece was like, dancer Stefanie Karlin said, “It didn’t feel real until someone had seen it.”

The piece is named Brass Figures because brass a material that can be used as embellishment as well as structure, a timeless metal that can be both polished and dainty, or stark and mechanical.

Artistic director Erin Carlisle Norton said that the piece is about “glamorizing the past, and making the present more stark,” a contrast that translates well within the show.

Brass Figures featured dancers Anna Goldman, Stafanie Karlin, Erin Carlisle Norton, and Alison Riazi. The Moving Architects ensemble members vary per show, but pieces typically feature a small company.

“It’s always been really small … we’re like a dancing family …  we all have input,” Karlin said of being involved with the Moving Architects.

“It shows my range,” Carlisle Norton said in reference to what she hopes to accomplish in presenting Brass Figures. There is a place for both fun and whimsicality, as well as harsh, “I want to see the range as an audience member,” she said.

Brass Figures features original choreography by Erin Carlisle Norton, who organized the Moving Architects about two years ago as a way to present her original work, she said: “It’s going really well.”

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 15 2008. Filed under A & E. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
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