On Saturday, March 22, Bodies Near Lie was invited to review the New York iteration of Pointeworks at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater.
The performance wove together the threads of world-renowned dancers, costume designers, musicians, and choreographers, crafting a tapestry of artistic excellence and collaboration. Hailing from San Diego, the collaborative company made its second appearance in New York under the visionary direction of Artistic Director Sophie Williams.
Amidst seven pieces that showcased the boundless potential of artistic minds and the dancers’ limitless capabilities, ‘Chasing Shadows‘ by choreographer Laine Habony emerged as the star. Here, costumes, live music, movement, and performance coalesced in a vision as clear as morning light. The trio of dancers embodied the musical brilliance and fierce precision for which NYCB dancers in particular are celebrated, yet Habony infused the piece with unique patterns and innovative movements. It evoked vivid images of hummingbirds in flight—a mesmerizing blur of beauty and speed, radiating light and luminosity. The unity of the imagery created by Habony and the dancers in this work opened a window to a realm where gravity yielded to grace, and velocity harmonized with lightness.
The essence of Pointeworks resides in its collaborative spirit—a platform where talented choreographers and some of New York’s most skilled dancers engage in a vibrant exchange of creativity. Observing these dancers, well-versed in established repertoire, venture into uncharted artistic territories is a truly delightful experience. It is remarkable to witness the vast creativity that emerges from the modest confines of a pointe shoe, that flat-topped satin box. Pointeworks is both a sanctuary for ballet’s cherished traditions and an open window inviting exploration and new beginnings.
Photos courtesy of Pointeworks by photographers Nathan Carlson and Raquel Beauchamp
