Ars Longa, vita brevis
presented by Kari Jensen
Showtimes
Sun., Aug. 3 @ 7:00 p.m.
Tue., Aug. 5 @ 5:30 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 6 @ 8:30 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 8 @ 4:00 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
Show details
Venue: Ritz Theater Proscenium
Duration: 60 minutes
Created by Kari Jensen
Genres: Dance, Kids, Teens
Overall rating
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Today's Classicism
by John Munger Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is a skillful dance show both choreographically and in the performances. Eleven of the twelve dancers (there is one-guest-artist)are members of Continental Ballet in Bloomington, a bona-fide classical ballet company with a 20-year history of touring Minnesota and a paid adult ensemble drawn from Chicago, Michigan, the West Coast and Russia as well as Minnesota. Most are professionals in their 20's and 30's who know how to deliver first-class renditions of such large and challenging works as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Coppelia. Choreographer/producer Kari Jensen herself is an artist of stature who has performed and choreographed for companies both here and in Washington state. What makes this show special is that she has mastery of several choreographic techniques not often seen any more on today's stages, unfortunately. She knows how to move groups with intuitive intelligence so the geometries ebb and flow seemingly without effort. She takes people on and off stage with a clear sense of both musicality and of theatrical timing, always keeping the flow of the work vibrant and forward moving. Also, she actually creates entrances rather than having dancers simply walk pedestrian-fashion into place, as has become the now-tiresome tradition of the past 20 years. She draws strengths out of her dancers rather than shoehorning them into predetermined demands, all without compromising the 450-year-old tradition of ballet clarity. Instead, she draws on that tradition to move in contemporary directions. Everyone in this show looks good and I've heard several audience members who were not regular dance-goers comment that it was one of the most beautiful and compelling shows they had seen on this year's Fringe. Ms. Jensen is a choreographer from whom hopefully we will hear more, and this ensemble can deliver not only daunting ballet classics but also contemporary works set to Ravel, Brubeck,Hulgic and arrangements by Vanessa-Mae. The show is not as eclectic a mix as the promo suggests, but it is deeply satisfying on many levels.
Holy Guacamole Batman.....
by Josh Massey Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
The title says it all. I was amazed with every aspect of the show. I just couldn't get enough. It started off with a bang as Audrey Olsen pulls you in. Her movements, facial expressions and beauty just leave you wanting more. From there the show continues to leave you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this performance to any and everyone. You won't regret going. I can't wait to see it again tonight.
Truly a celebration!
by Heather Beal Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
My cousins, friends, and I caught this show last Sunday. We all HIGHLY recommend it! It provided an awe-inspiring, creatively choreographed, and wonderfully presented mix of ballet and contemporary dance. After the show, we couldn't decide which of several dance sequences we liked the best, they flowed so seamlessly from one into the next. The joy, passion, and peace felt by the dancers spread by contagion to the audience.
excellent technique/control, but...
by sharon baker Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
...it seemed unfocused. the variety came off scattered to me. there was some amazingly beautiful dancing happening, but with the shorter pieces (when the stage didn't go to black), the audience was unsure whether to applaud.
i wasn't super wild about the music (other than dave brubeck and grandmaster flash).
the ballroom dance flavored piece was awesome, as was the talented popper. it would've been ultra cool if popping and ballet had been together! all of the other pieces came from ballet...
Grace
by Nathan Curland Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
If you like to see hot young women moving gracefully across the stage, this is for you. Excellent choreography (even if the some of the dancers aren't in sync all the time!) Oh yeah, there is also a guy (someone's got to do the heavy lifting!)
Beautifully done
by Jennifer Stewert Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Beautiful dancing showing many styles of dance and great choreography. Great show for all ages, my 8 year old daughter just loved it.
very worth seeing
by Robert Burgdorfer Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Audrey Olsen in Neurosis - fantastic
Synthesis - a great blend of dance genres
Vivaldi - a well thought out piece of choreography, Jensen & Kwitowski feel the music and follow each other in perfect harmony
I had to see the show a second time, and would highly recommond it everyone.
Wonderful.
Not so eclectic
by Jeremy Pool Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I am confused by description of the show as an eclectic mix of dance styles, because it is 95% ballet. The dancing is very good, but if you don't like ballet I would recommend going to a different show.
