Often whimsical and slightly outrageous but always propelled from the heart, the Mark Morris Dance Group will perform tonight at the Moore Theater.
Since founding his company in 1980, Mark Morris has earned a reputation for writing his own rules as the country's hottest young choreographer. From Laura Dean and Brussels to the White Oak Dance Project and Mikhail Baryshnikov, tonight's performance will mark the Hanover premiere for "the brilliant bad boy of dance."
Described as something of a genius and critically acclaimed nationally, "Morris is on just about every dance fan's short list of contemporary choreographers destined for the history books," according to Dance Magazine.
Melding a myriad of styles, of modern, ballet, jazz, flamenco, and folk, with impeccable craftsmanship, Morris's unpretentious dance language is born from his eclectic range of musical styles.
Originally commissioned by Zivili, of the Southern Slavic Nations, "The Office," which premiered in Boston this summer, is a celebration of gravity and earth in folk dance. A reflection of Morris's childhood exposure and continuing ethnic orientation to dance, "The Office" illustrates the satisfying relationship between body and ground and the companionable spirit of community in movement.
A more lyrical work to be shown tonight, "Bedtime" is set to three Schubert lieders; "Wiegenlied," "Standchen," and "Erlkoenig." Haunting and occasionally hilarious group work feature his unconventionally diverse but highly trained dancers through rest and restlessness, lullabies and stampedes.
Also included in tonight's program are "Lucky Charms" and "Grand Duo."
Tickets for Mark Morris Dance Group are available at the Hopkins Center Box Office for $12.50 (Dartmouth students) and $20.50 (general admission). Discussion sessions led by the choreographer will follow performances Monday and Tuesday evenings at 8 PM.
