Ailey Citigroup Theater, New York, NY.
June 15, 2025.
Strong. Soft. Elegant. Powerful. These characteristics were vibrant at the Woman in Motion performance at Ailey Citigroup Theater on Sunday, June 15. The show served as a strong reminder that two truths can coexist harmoniously, the interweaving of dancers, choreographers and styles of movement. Co-Artistic Directors Laura Kaufman and Rachel Thalman opened the performance noting that “acts of love and creation feel more necessary than ever before.” This necessity for dance to happen at this moment in time was felt from start to finish. A noteworthy display of what can be done when likeminded individuals come together in pursuit of a creative endeavor.
The performance effectively fused both ballet and jazz techniques — each piece seemingly able to bring new life and meaning to known forms. From the start of the performance, it was evident that the company is technically equip to handle anything and everything a choreographer asks of them. Strong pointed feet, long lines from hip to heel, upper bodies expressive, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.
Held Light by Laura Kaufman demonstrated a more classical style, dancers showcasing clear lines and form. Any sense of rigidity was absent as dancers incorporated endless breath, flow and emotive storytelling. Continuum choreographed by Nick Korkos took those clear lines and added a new layer of texture and flow, showcasing what beauty can be created when we color both in and outside the lines. More jazz-specific work such as Two Minutes to Midnight by Sara Edwards allowed dancers to move in a more classical jazz genre. The show included 10 different choreographers, and each of these individuals had a clear artistic vision while creating a feeling of coherency within the pieces.
A sense of community, of collective energy moving in space with a shared love of performance was on display. Each piece incorporated the theme of teamwork. In many of the works, dancers walked on and off stage as a unit, sometimes holding hands or connected by the arms, other times moving close by one another. This theme was evident as the dancers moved through phrases of unison, duets and even solo work. In pieces such as Rhythm of Lines by Lauren Lovette, where the dancers exit on opposite sides of the stage, they hold onto a piece of each other, as they continuously look back at the other dancer while walking forward. The ending piece of Heaven is Here by Katie Drablos featured the full company on stage wearing long red velvet dresses, ending the performance with a shared sense of unity.
The show demonstrated dance as an act of joy and fulfillment. Through the expression of happiness in each of the 10 dancers’ faces, they were overflowing with a sense of bliss. When Woman in Motion moves, the audience moves along with them. As observers, we were reminded that dance is an offering, a way to connect, a way to share a feeling. Dance is a way to honor “the delicate impermanence of life,” co-director Laura Kaufman discussed at the beginning of the show. Dance comes, and then it goes. Each time we dance, we are reminded that it is a moment we will never get back. Perhaps, this is in fact one of the most beautiful things about dance — it leaves us as quickly as it enters. I, myself held onto this feeling of joy long after the curtain had closed.
By Rachel Marchica of Dance Informa.
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