SL Trib writer Kathy Adams provides an excellent place to start the annual ritual of looking back. She mentions most of the highlights of Utah’s more established companies—RDT, RW and of course, Ballet West. It was also a great year for us. Mudson continued to grow and evolve in unexpected ways. Some of my favorite works this year included Ashley Anderson’s new duet on Alysia Ramos and Amy Freitas and Amy’s own Porridge for Goldilocks with live music by the Apartment Quartet Society. I also really enjoyed seeing Solange Gomes and her flamenco students in that vaulted ballroom—again, the power of live music, but this time integrated with the dancing in a way unique to that form.
Daughters was, I think, better than ever, and many other independent shows graced the eyes of Salt Lakers, including Molly Heller’s if a snake could bite, which I sadly missed and the U’s poorly attended but excellent tour of Matteo Fargion and Jonathan Burrows.
Another way in which our work at loveDANCEmore flourished was in deeper-than-ever discussions on the blog and in the journal. Look back to read the discussions of race and authenticity around Rhythm Migration or the long thread around the various rites of spring different members of our community saw this year. These important local dance dialogues happen nowhere else (that I know of). Then, once you’re inspired, write something or draw something for the new journal!!! The deadline is FEBRUARY 1, 2015!!! The theme is forgotten dance histories!
And remember, if you want to write about a show happening in 2015, there’s no requirement other than that you let us know. If you don’t like what you’re reading, or you just want to share your perspective, all you have to do is ask! Our aspiration is to be an OPEN forum for dance in SLC!!! Happy new year!!!!
Samuel Hanson is the New Media Czar of loveDANCEmore. He also writes about dance here and has edited the last two editions of learning to loveDANCEmore.