By Alix Cohen
The Mark Morris Dance Group is distinguished by theatricality in tandem with earthy, human movement. Choreography often treats dancers as storytellers, emphasizing rhythm, individuality, humor, and emotional honesty rather than spectacle or abstraction.
Program A: A Soul of America– Jazz and Pop
Pizzica – New York Premiere
Music- Louis Moreau Gottschalk- Grand Tarentelle Op 67
Colin Fowler- piano
This is at the same time the most puzzling and predictable of the evening’s offerings. The name Tarantella comes from an old belief that a bite from the tarantula spider caused the condition tarantism. According to legend, the victim could be cured by dancing frantically to music with a rapid, escalating rhythm.
Though the piece opens with a figure on the floor suffering what appear to be fits, whirling folk-like dancing that follows – replete with tambourines – is earthy, joyful, and repetitious rather than manic.There’s no sense of poison in the veins i.e. ridding oneself of the invader.
Three Preludes – 1992
Music- George Gershwin – Preludes for Piano
Colin Fowler- piano
Originally created for Morris himself, this elegant, witty piece is done justice by company member Dallas McMurray who “gets” the blues-inflected music. Jazzy sophistication inextricably joins every step with infectious rhythm. Footwork is crisp, torso movement subtle, strut jaunty.
Shoulder rolls and pops, arms held straight at sides with palms flattened, add syncopated snap. Casual strolls are punctuated by sly glances. It’s playful, reflective, understated cool.
Isiaac Mizrahi’s black and white costume is just right, down to white gloves and spats
Dancing Honeymoon 1998
Dozens of songs from the 20s and 30s transcribed and arranged by Ethan Iverson from historical recordings by Gertrude Lawrence and Jack Buchanan
Ethan Iverson – piano, Blair Reinhard – vocals
Georgy Vaitchev – violin, Sean Ritenauer- percussion
One droll sketch follows the next in a piece whose couples form, swap and react to change. Metal chairs become comic props or chaises on which figures drape. (Think Edward Gorey) Dancers shift from ballroom to gleeful pratfalls. Hip movement is precise while body rolls act as counterpoint.
Plunging from upright stance to sweeping, horizontal floor rolls, figures seamlessly ascend. Fists slap against sides. Parenthetic mime illustrates lyrics. Arms create arches. Shoulders back, dancers move in line; each, in turn, looking over his shoulder with sangfroid. Facing forward, they kick out, not up. ‘Mischievous and cooool.
Yellow and white costumes by Elizabeth Kurtzman are attractive, cheerful, and varied, aesthetically working well together
You’ve Got to Be Modernistic 2025
Music- James P. Johnson arranged by Ethan Iverson
Ethan Iverson – piano
A jubilant, jazz-infused ensemble work featuring many popular social dances of the 1920s, Modernistic begins with the company leaning forward whipping extra long chains of pearls about their necks.
Arm-linked or waist-held chorus lines, vaudeville-inspired movement (like slapping the rear end ahead),Turkey Trot, and Charleston – the latter reset in 5/4- time- are incorporated.
Ebullient kicks plunge into floor-touching bows.Synchronized gestures dissolve into individual comment. Rhythmic jumps, sharp two-steps, crossed-arm knee slaps, and cartwheels abound. Hornpipe hops and gestures come out of nowhere.
Vintage vocabulary mixes with modern training for fresh choreography.
The evening would be more pleasing if all dancers in a piece had the same attitude. When only one person doesn’t smile, for example, it jars.
Live music adds immeasurable frisson to the entire evening. Musicianship is excellent. It’s refreshing not to hear an electronic score. Scrims are lit in evocative, gradient color that enhances dancers.
Photos by Julieta Cervantes
Opening from Dancing Honeymoon
Mark Morris Dance Group at the Joyce
Artistic Director- Mark Morris
Executive Director- Nancy Umanoff
Music Director- Colin Fowler
July 14-25, 2026
Joyce Theater 175 8th Avenue at 18th Street
https://www.joyce.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21664888458&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39zSBhDhARIsANammDsNNzAI2hDdjJwgVnD9R9pYzKUEI2V5ThfzdWDTLRKhbvCOyH_2LiAaAgvCEALw_wcB
