Loud cheers and standing ovations were in order at Plié for the Arts’ Amalgamation showcase at the Little Theatre on Sunday. The programme saw the inclusion of a number of new and international pieces being presented, which left attendees more than satisfied on the second of the two-day production thanks to the highly talented dancers who hailed from Jamaica, the Caribbean and the United States. Marisa Benain, artistic director and founder of Plié, was overcome with joy at the end of Sunday’s show.
She could be heard, and seen, among the scores of patrons cheering loudly after each performance. “I’m feeling great,” she told the Jamaica Observer . “I think this is great because the Jamaicans really did a lot more and the Jamaicans are dancing internationally renowned dances.
When we started, we would do [the choreography] The Calling, it would be somebody from abroad. This year, the dancer came from Jamaica..
. we will be sourcing international dances for Jamaicans, and we know for sure they can manage. I’m very proud of them.
” Patrons were awestruck to silence as they feasted their eyes on the well-executed pieces. It was evident that a lot of preparation went into perfecting each piece; whether it was the solo acts or group numbers. Well-wishers screamed the names of the dancers they came out to support once they were able to do so, which clearly encouraged the performers, as was evident by the smiles on their faces.
Benain further said that one of the standout pieces was Bolero X, choreographed by Shahar Binyamini, because of its significance. “It [showcased] Jamaicans moving beautifully. This is the first time black people were doing Bolero, so it’s beautiful,” she said.
Other pieces included Fix Me Jesus from the most-watched modern dance in history, Revelations , choreographed by Alvin Ailey, late founder and artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Migration from Alonso King Lines Ballet danced by Adji Cissoko and Shuaib Elhassan; The Calling by Jessica Lang; and The Hunt by Robert Battle. Amalgamation will be heading to the Ailey CitiGroup Theatre in New York on September 14..
