The opening solo to Fanfare for the Common Man by Copeland appeared choreographed to reinforce the heroic tone of this familiar music. Sadly, Hank Adam's dancing was too tentative and earthbound to carry it off. Mr. Adams appeared preoccupied and his focus rarely left the floor. The ensemble of women was, by contrast, excellent and would remain so all evening. I was uncomfortably aware of a striking similarity to Graham's Appalachian Spring.
Originality is, sometimes, difficult to maintain when working with such famous and popular music.
Despite poor sound quality, Samuel Barber's evocative Adagio for Strings suggested the loneliness of the prairie landscape as Elizabeth Harano's searching solo evolved into a lovely pas de deux with Hank Adams. Harano glided through the air like a graceful heron on Adams' powerful arms. Although the use of balletic pantomime was excessive, the dancing was sensitive and expressive. Suddenly, the woman turned to find her partner gone. With sincere smiles and movements fully realized, the ensemble's dancing was generous and warm.