Dance Review: Make Room for a Ballerina’s Space!

The Ailey Group City Theatre has the reputation of ‘any seat is a good seat’ due to the intimate space and clear view of the stage. Lemon Sponge Cake is a rising contemporary company that sounds yummy, but I am not familiar with. Therefore, my seat has to be a ‘good seat’. Choreographer and director Sher-Machherndl of Lemon Sponge Cake is closing his NYC premier of Liquid Space tonight. Prima- ballerina, Minna Tervamaki, is continuing her extensive contemporary study with Lemon Sponge Cake and accompanies Robert Sher-Mercherndl in the duet in the program. Both dancers are established as professional artists in Europe, but Lemon Sponge Cake has only had the opportunity to perform in Denver and Boulder in the States. This two-day performance in New York is a huge step for both the company and Robert and Minna, this being their first time performing in the Big Apple. I am not expecting tutus, frilly outfits and grand pas de deuxs, but I am looking forward to seeing creative twists on classical ballet and contemporary movement to be featured in this program.

Robert Sher- Machherndl starts on stage as a pedestrian. His long legs and arms have as much room as possible to move around as a soloist. The heartbeat of the music keeps him moving until the pulse stops. He shows off his beautiful, long profile. A game of hide and go seek is being imagined as Robert walks on and off stage with Minna following him. Minna appears on stage looking as strong as an ox! Her athletic ability as a dancer is obvious as each defined muscle is flexed and coordinated in her movement. She is wearing ballet flats and a two-piece black outfit. The simplicity in her outfit makes the choreography easier to visually understand. She starts her solo showing off such artistic influences as William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin and Glen Tetley. There is an edgy feel to her style of movement that captures Sher- Machherndl’s concept of Liquid Space.

Sher- Machherndl’s vision for Liquid Space is a catalyst for choreographers who use space and gravity to create new styles of contemporary movement. Minna’s artistic ability to apply her classical ballet training to lyrical movement is Sher- Machherndl’s muse for Liquid Space. As the piece continues, Minna and Robert premiere on stage together. They use space to accept each others presence and explore new movement. Both dancers have the extraordinary ability to maintain their different style of movement while finding a medium that creates a bigger subject called Liquid Space. As the piece continues, the music becomes intense and so does Minna. She is able to maintain her technique but also turn in her hips, round in her shoulders and articulate her body in ways that most ballerinas are not capable of doing. Choreography is something that is taught, but I see Minna as an artist when she makes Robert’s movement her own. I see a beautiful woman onstage with a strong presence

and a masculine edge that carries the piece to new heights.

Ms. Tervamaki and Sher- Machherndl continue the duet with Minna on pointe shoes. Liquid Space continues for 45 minutes without an intermission, just seconds for Minna to catch her breathe. Her capability to keep up with the piece without any signs of tiredness impresses me the most. She wins the gold medal for stamina and persistence! As Minna continues to fight through space with her pointe shoes, Robert comes on stage demonstrating his ability as a dancer and a great partner. The movement would be a great challenge for most ballerinas, but Minna effortlessly adds her own interpretation that makes the piece exciting to watch.

The collaboration of European eclectic music and contemporary movement gets a warm welcome from New York viewers. As Robert Sher- Machherndl’s choreography continues to develop, I foresee Lemon Sponge Cake being featured in venues during the summer. New York is always looking forward to new appearances from European companies. Choreographers in the US are highly competitive, always raising the stakes in their pieces. Due to his innovative material, Sher- Machherndl is on his way here.

Photo Courtesy of: David Andrews

iDANZ Critix Corner

Official Dance Review by Careitha Davis

Performance: Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet

Choreography: Robert Sher-Machherndl

Venue: The Ailey Citigroup Theatre, New York City

Performance Date: Wednesday, April 29^th, 2009

www.iDANZOnline.com