NYCB Vol. 16 No. 10 - Red Angels

To watch my 80-minute lecture on Red Angels, featuring demonstrations by Mira Nadon and violinist Mary Rowell, click here.

Wendy Whelan. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

"In Red Angels, Mr. Dove takes the audience into a different world, alienated but hot with sublimated passion. The theater is permeated by the jagged and fascinating sound of Mr. Einhorn's 'Maxwell's Demon,' played sensationally on the electric violin by Mary Rowell.

"The four dancers, in Holly Hynes's striking red leotards are bathed in spotlights or red lighting by Mark Stanley. Albert Evans advances at first, followed by Darci Kistler. The choreographer's concentration on pliés becomes a leitmotif. A brief duet is followed by the entrance of Peter Boal and Wendy Whelan. Their pas de deux is more aggressive, in line with the music's percussiveness, and the partnering is more complex than in the first duet.

Peter Boal. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

"All four dancers stand in separate spotlights at the start of the third section. The music is jazzy and the dancers gesture, sometimes covering their own eyes or those of a partner.

"The force and speed that has steadily built up in the ballet reaches a peak in the fourth section when the curtains part and each dancer is seen against a red backdrop. Each also performs a solo.

Mr. Dove knows how to use Mr. Evans's resilient energy, Mr. Boal's serene centered dancing and the bold attack that Ms. Whelan and Ms. Kistler contribute to so much of the choreography. At the end, all look at the audience and walk to the rear. It may not mean much, but Mr. Dove certainly knows how to make things happen theatrically."

--Anna Kisselgoff, New York Times, 1994

(left) Wendy Whelan. Photo by Paul Kolnik

(right) Heléne Alexopolous. Photo by Paul Kolnik.