By James V. Ruocco
Since its inception, the acclaimed, always evolving dance troupe Pilobolus has made a name for itself by creating dance pieces that challenge, excite, rebel and push boundaries to the max.
Its recipe for success is simple.
It abandons the norms of ballet and modern dance in favor of something completely different and unique.
Its creators think outside the box.
It basks in newness and free-flowing reflection.
Its partnering and dance vision is iconic and surprising.
Its healthy doses of experimentation are intelligently conceived.
No two dance movements are alike.
On Friday, April 22 - 8 p.m. to be exact - Pilobolus takes up residence at The Ridgefield Playhouse for "one night only" to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with "Pilobolus Big Five-Oh!" a thrilling, newly conceived dance celebration of the troupe's history. The event is part of the venue's Teed & Brown Broadway & Cabaret Series and the Xfinity Family Series with additional support from HamletHub.
WSHU Public Radio serves as media sponsor for the performance.
Dedicated to the memory of Jonathan Wolken, one of the founders of Pilolobus, this production revisits works that celebrate every decade of the company's history. They are: "Megawatt" from 2004; "Empty Suitor Solo" from 1980; "Shizen" from 1978; "Behind the Shadows" from 2021; and "Day Two" from 1981.
"Megawatt" showcases the troupe's iconic styling of partnering. "Empty Suitor Solo" uses top hat and cane to portray the struggles and frustrations of the dancer who is directed to never touch the floor. The Japanese-inspired "Shizen" explores nature's meditation.
Inspired by the company's 2009 piece "Shadowland," "Behind the Shadows" offers a behind-the-scene's look at the shadow works of Pilobolus. "Day Two" is an acid-tinged, influenced psychedelic trip.
Headlining this visionary, reimagined 90-minute production are Pilobolus dancers Paul Liu, Quincy Ellis, Marlon Feliz, Nathaniel Buchsbaum, Zack Weiss and Hannah Klinkman.
Billed as a high-energy, avant-garde dance company, Pilobolus has explored and tested the limits of human physicality and the disciplined athleticism and tradition of connected bodies through dance since 1971. Telling and shaping stories with the human form as its centerpiece, this acclaimed dance company addresses, educates and entertains its audience with specially choreographed visions of communal diversity, problem solving, surprise, sexuality, joy, hope, survival and nonverbal communication. These artistic collaborations also take their cue from some of the greatest influencers, thinkers and creators of our society - both past and present.
Globally, Pilobolus has developed, traveled and toured worldwide bringing more than over 120 pieces of specially designed dance repertory to millions of people in the United States and 65 different countries. The troupe has been featured on "The Today Show," "CBS This Morning," "The Harry Connick Show," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," "The Chew," "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" and the "MTV Video Music Awards."
In 2015, Pilobolus was named one of Dance Heritage Coalition's "Irreplaceable Dance Treasures." Additional honors include a TED Fellowship, a 2012 Grammy Award nomination and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cultural Programming. Working alongside several well-known organizations in retail, finance, fashion, sports and social media, the group has created various bespoke dance performances for film, television and theater including the Oscars and the Olympics.
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