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As part of its Performing Arts Series, Johnson County Community College presented the Joffrey Ballet on Saturday night to a full house in Yardley Hall. Attendees anticipated a top-notch performance from one of the leading international ballet companies, and the distinguished diversity they witnessed left no disappointments. The company came to Kansas City with 41 dancers and a strong four-piece repertoire, each selection portraying a specialized style.

The program pleasingly began with Joffrey co-founder Gerald Arpino’s Reflections. The ensemble displayed flawless technique. All of the women aired proficient flexibility of their arms, legs, feet, and backs. Each dancer made Arpino’s demanding abstract, neoclassical choreography appear natural and easy, fully embracing the opposing sharp and soft accents that complemented Tchaikovsky’s score.

Throughout the piece, Abigail Simon stood out for her elegance and exactitude. The sixth variation, featuring Christine Rocas and Miguel Angel Blanco, also thoroughly impressed the audience. Rocas and Blanco were a dazzling duo, effortlessly accomplishing the technical aspects while remaining poised and full of energy. If this exceptional work is not in Joffrey’s standard line-up, it really should be.

Taking the stage next, at a less frenetic pace, was Lar Lubovitch’s ...smile with my heart. Set on three couples, each at a different stage of their relationship, the piece grew in character and depth as it continued. The first section was somewhat pedantic, but the performance quality picked up as each couple broke off to tell their story. Allison Walsh and Derrick Agnoletti, letting loose to Richard Rodgers’ “The Sweetest Sounds,” made a charming and innocent, laid-back couple. The second pair, Joanna Wozniak and Matthew Adamczyk, brought an edge to their elaborate choreography, which allowed their on-stage altercations to appear believable.

Showing how it’s really done was the tall, lanky, sophisticated duo of Victoria Jaiani and Fabrice Calmels, strutting to an appropriate tune, Rodgers’s “My Funny Valentine.” Their section was slower and more sensual, and Jaiani was especially adept at mastering Lubovitch’s jazzy, contemporary movement. Paul James Lewis’s masterful piano prowess took the piece to another dimension for both the dancers and the patrons.

The second half of the show began with a cannon shot: Amber Neumann and John Mark Giragosian in George Balanchine’s acclaimed Tarantella. The audience could not have asked for a more energetic and entertaining couple. Each dancer demonstrated tremendous stamina throughout the non-stop, seven-minute pas de deux, and delightfully delivered the complex litany of steps, especially those where tambourine-playing was a necessity.

Edward Liang’s 2008 work Age of Innonence, inspired by the literary collection of Jane Austen, did not start out on the right (or rather, correct) foot. The “First Dance” appeared under-rehearsed, as the 16-member corps struggled to dance with each other and the music. The movement was awkward and the execution sloppy, leaving much to be desired after a bad first impression. Luckily, the remainder of the piece was outstanding, beginning with the First Dialogue, which featured Rocas again, this time with Mauro Villanueva. Rocas is an extremely beautiful dancer with subtle expertise, and Villanueva suitably complemented her abilities.

The men—in the section by the same name—showed great strength and carriage, though slightly off at times. April Daly and Miguel Angel Blanco’s duet in “Obey Thee” was mesmerizing with its suspenseful phrasing and raw execution. Liang’s piece, aside from the shaky start, was a contemporary gem. His intricate and unique choreography combined with an intriguing musical selection by Philip Glass and Thomas Newman made for an exciting finish to the evening.

Overall, the renowned company lived up to its name and exceeded some expectations. The audience surely was left impressed, as it rose to its feet in appreciation and congratulation.

REVIEW:
Johnson County Community College
The Joffrey Ballet
Saturday, April 2 (reviewed)
Yardley Hall at the Carlsen Center
12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS
For more information visit http://www.jccc.edu/performing-arts-series/

Top Photo: Fabrice Calmels and Victoria Jaiani in the Joffrey Ballet's Reflections (Arpino) (Photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet)

By Laura Vernaci

Dance Contributor

Laura Vernaci is a Kansas City native who has always been passionate about the arts, particularly dance. She began dance lessons at the young age of five and hasn't stopped since. She trained at the Kansas City Ballet where she became a serious dancer and learned about a professional company. 

She attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she majored in dance. She transferred to Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2006 and received a degree in Journalism in May 2008.  Laura spent the 2008-2009 in Duluth, MN dancing professionally for the Minnesota Ballet. She performed in productions such as, "The Nutcracker," "Cinderella" and "Coppelia" as well as world premier ballets created on the company.

She recently moved back to Kansas City and is excited to combine her experience in writing with her passion for dance. In addition to performing and writing, Laura also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing.