|
|
             |
|
Dance of the Elements (2002)15 minutes DANCER: PIANO: A suite inspired by the mesmerizing spectacles of Loie Fuller (1862-1928). Sperling furls her enormous winged costume–designed by Michelle Ferranti from more than 80 yards of white silk—into eddying spiral shapes. The moving fabric catches luminescent rays, orchestrated by Bessie Award-winning lighting designer David Ferri, that evoke the elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. The hypnotic visuals are set to piano music by Ravel, Chopin, De Falla, and others performed by Jeffrey Middleton. "Encased in a silken costume that shimmered in David Ferri's lighting, Ms. Sperling summoned up spirits of earth, water, wind, fire and ether by manipulating the fabric so its folds swirled, billowed and soared in delightful metamorphoses." –Jack Anderson, The New York Times "Beginning with Earth in large billowing white swaths of fabric, Sperling transforms herself into mountains and hills. With an ever-commanding presence, she then morphs into rippling water. In Wind, Sperling portrays both gentle and fierce winds, while turning into violent flaming fire and serenely closing with Ether. What is so striking about using the fabric in this way is that while only one large swath is manipulated, as Sperling spins and whirls around, layers and layers seem to unfurl from the spectacle, which results in the large flowers and orchids that Fuller herself created." –Vanessa Manko, Dance Insider "Watching the five-part Dance of the Elements (2002) to music by, among others, Ravel, Chopin, De Falla (pianist, on tape, Jeffrey Middleton) was pure delight. ...In 'Earth', Sperling's spacious choreography suggested swooping hills and shadowed valleys as she advanced and receded with the cape an all encompassing cover. 'Water' had a surging, eddying quality which moved through three or four differently rippling levels. 'Fire' started low on the ground and moved from side to side, gradually expanding its reach. The skippy, lightly trod 'Ether' ended with the dancer completely disappearing inside a swirling calyx of fabric." |
|