Known for its “powerfully engaging” (New York Arts) choreography, Ariel Rivka Dance reflects on 10 seasons of provocative modern dance with a pair of career-spanning programs to be performed at New York Live Arts from September 6-9, 2017. Along with beloved repertory by choreographer Ariel Grossman, each evening welcomes performances by the acclaimed Taylor 2, a work by Chanel DaSilva (Trey McIntyre Project, MOVE(NYC)), and/or a world premiere by Michael Phillips (RIOULT Dance NY).

Ariel Rivka Dance celebrated their 10th Anniversary Season at New York Live Arts this past week. The four-night run consisted of five dances choreographed by Ariel Grossman, Artistic Director of Ariel Rivka Dance, and two guest artists, Chanel DaSilva and Taylor 2. David Homan, Grossman’s husband and Executive Director and Composer for Ariel Rivka Dance, served as orator for the evening and welcomed the audience to the concert.  The most cogent, resonate takeaway from Ariel Rivka Dance is the choreographic checklist that appeared within each work presented. Grossman’s proclivities appeared in the form of: longing reaches to unattainable diagonals, one bent leg as the other extends to the side or back (I’m calling these the Rivka ronds en l’aire and développé battements), undulating spine often associated with lyrical jazz, chaînés with unfolding arms, still images followed by scattering dancers with billowing limbs, and touching the face and/or neck in a stylistic way. After a single evening I feel unexpectedly proficient in the Ariel Rivka Dance aesthetic.  I became so transfixed by the overuse of repetition and movement choices that the meaning or integrity (if it surpassed the “ …Read more