// --> // --> San Francisco Real Estate - Residential: Things to do in San Francisco - Part 55 - Smuin Ballet

Friday, March 28, 2008

Things to do in San Francisco - Part 55 - Smuin Ballet


Yahoo Travel says this about the Smuin Ballet :

Michael Smuin (1938-2007), founder of the Smuin Ballet, passed away earlier this year but his spirit lives on in his ballets and through his company. The Smuin Ballet breezes into town at the Palace of Fine Arts with their Fall/Winter Program. The program is a two and a half hour spectacle of emotion, movement and color. Amy Seiwert, a dancer in the company, debuts her Objects of Curiosity - an enchanting exploration of bodies and their movements.

Seiwert's piece studies the human body by accentuating and dismembering its movements. Performed mostly in pairs, bodies are contorted and reassembled unabashedly for their audience. Duettino, the first number by Michael Smuin is minimalist and classical. It focuses on the physical aspect of dancing, in other words, attention is paid to the dancer's body and movement. Visually stunning, it is a harmonious follow up to the program's starter. Stabat Mater, the program's pinnacle, is a dramatic response to September 11th.

In Latin the lyrics of Stabat Mater refer to Mary's sorrow and anguish as she watches the death of her son, Jesus - emotions reflected in the color of costumes and scenery. Smuin's passing provides another (mournful) layer to this heart-clenching performance. Vanessa Thiessen and Aaron Thayer excel as the female and male leads who battle between life and death. Renin' in the Hurricane, choreographed by Kirk Peterson, is a series of performances set to the music of Gene Autry, Cole Porter, David Byrne, Randy Travis, and k.d. Lang. Renin', loosely connected by a western theme, excels in capturing each song's mood and in storytelling.

While campy, in this final act dancers become individuals engrossed with personality. This vivacity makes each performance light hearted and enjoyable, a sharp turn from Stabat Mater. The program overall is well rounded. Lighthearted numbers, which surround Stabat Mater, keep the program balanced, manageable and enjoyable. Bravo, Smuin Ballet. -- Marissa Mejia Performances: Through October 14th Tickets $15-$47

3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

+1 415 567 6642

info@palaceoffinearts.org

Open Hours: 6a-9p M-Su
http://www.smuinballet.org/

- Mick Orton

You may also go to our website for previous things to do. Previous blog posts are:

Parts 1 - 20, Parts 21-40, Part 41 - Cable Car Museum, Part 42 - Transamerica Pyramid, Part 43 - Camera Obscura and Holographic Gallery, Part 44 - Moscone Center, Part 45 - Barbary Coast Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour, Part 46 - Fort Mason, Part 47 - Blue & Gold Fleet, Part 48 - Cherry Blossom Festival, Part 49 - Flower Power Haight-Ashbury Walking Tour, Part 50 - Lincoln Park Golf Course, Part 51 - HANG, Part 52 - Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Part 53 - Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours and Cooking Company, Part 54 - Ski Sugar Bowl

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