REVIEW: Boston Ballet’s bold and exciting ‘Full on Forsythe’ kicks ballet up a notch
With all that Full on Forsythe has to offer, it is easy to forget any preconceived notions one may have about the ballet. The Boston Ballet takes on a wide variety of classic productions such as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, as well as the upcoming performances of Cinderella in May and Coppelia starting March 21. Yes, ballet is steeped in tradition, but Full on Forsythe adds a bold, modern dimension to dance and this version is unconfined by any assumptions.
Boston Ballet in William Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2018; photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet continues Full on Forsythe at the Boston Opera House through Sunday, March 17. The Boston Ballet also recently announced a tour of Full on Forsythe in Paris next month. The production is divided into three parts with two intermissions. Click here for more information and tickets.
From catchy R&B to electronica to soul, acclaimed choreographer William Forsythe showcases a modern spin to the Boston Ballet’s signature moves creating fascinating visual portraits. Songs were taken from James Blake’s album, The Colour in Anything, including I Need a Forest Fire, I Hope My Life, and F.O.R.E.V.ER., music by Dutch composer Thom Willems, and music from popular R&B singers such as Khalid, Barry White, and Natalie Cole.
Lithe, athletic solo dancer Chyrstyn Fentroy kicked off this joyful, haunting, and romantic music journey with last year’s Pas/Parts 2018 in a dual colored leotard as dancers gradually multiplied. The industrial, tribal feel of Thom Willems music as dancers shift in shadows create a haunting intensity. The dancers spin and swing like part of seamless machine, hitting every last eccentric beat.
Patrick Yocum Boston Ballet in William Forsythe’s Playlist (EP); photo by Angela Sterling; courtesy of Boston Ballet
There are quite a few extended solos including Lasha Khozashvili, Sao Hye Han, Patrick Yokum, Issac Akiba, Ji Young Chae, Daniel Cooper, Patric Palkins, and Lia Cirio who all capture an intensity within the music and pulsing rhythm, depicting an myriad of exciting dance moves. Whether in a duet or solo, Patrick Yocum is a particularly wonderful dancer, soulful and charismatic each time he takes the stage. Click here for a closer look at the company.
Lia Cirio and Viktorina Kapitonova in William Forsythe’s Playlist (EP); photo by Angela Sterling; courtesy of Boston Ballet
Blake Works I offers a more intimate, romantic display, but also has its share of subtle and humorous moments, especially within the duets. Pairs Ji Young Chae and Seo Hye Han, Lia Cirio and Patric Palkens, and Jessica Burrows and Patrick Yocum have a great chemistry together as they entwine in each other’s arms in a part interpretive dance. At one point Patric Palken attempts to lift Lia, but she teasingly denies him before she joins him. It is a subtle moment, but it depicts the sweet chemistry and joy between the two.
Roddy Doble, Patrick Yocum, and Hannah Bettes in William Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2018; photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet
The Boston Ballet is revered for its beautiful performances, but what sets Full on Forsythe apart is its universal appeal. The Boston Ballet’s must-see Full on Forsythe leads the audience on an enthralling, unique, and beautiful music journey that concludes on a jubilant, mesmerizing note.
The Boston Ballet continues to offer an opportunity to learn more about ballet through The Warm Up, an interactive, photo-friendly display located in the lower lobby.
The Boston Ballet continues Full on Forsythe at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, March 17. They also recently announced a tour of Full on Forsythe in Paris next month. Click here for more information and tickets. For future events and more, follow Boston Ballet on Facebook and Twitter.