Ballet BC

Reveal+Tell: Woke Up Blind, The Statement

When and Where March 3, 4 & 5, 2022 at 8pm | Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Choreographers Marco Goecke Crystal Pite and Medhi Walerski Dancers Emily Chessa, Kiana Jung, Zack Preece, Evan and Justin Rapaport, Sophie Robinson and Rae Srivastava.

Reviewer Michael Pink


To see audiences revel in ballet after a long hiatus is welcome artistic relief and Ballet BC came to the rescue with a riveting performance March 3 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The evening featured three distinct works of high and flawless dance.

First, Woke Up Blind choreographed by Marco Goecke was a mixture of mime and jazz dance movement that enthralled the audience. Dancers Emily Chessa, Kiana Jung and Zack Preece were particularly adept at the fast and hypnotic dance movements required for the complex yet engaging piece.

Goecke was a choreographer with Stuttgart Ballet for many years and brings an experimental style to his choreography.
The next piece, The Statement choreographed by Crystal Pite, a former Ballet BC dancer was spellbinding. Using a mixture of dramatic theatre, spoken word and fast paced, intricately timed rapid dance sequences, the performance was astounding , brooding and an audience hit. The World Premier was in the Netherlands in February 2016. For dance fans, hopefully Pite returns with more ascetic and provocative works. She has earned a valued place in the pantheon of Ballet BC performances.

Next, Ballet BC Artistic Director Medhi Walerski, presented his choreography in just BEFORE right AFTER. The World premier was in February 2022 in Luxembourg. Opening the captivating ballet was a single female dancer on stage with the company of dancers partially obscured behind a veil. It was effective theatre and dance. This was a full company piece that allowed the talents of the Ballet BC dancers to showcase beautifully.

The Ballet BC dancers displayed talent and skill. Honorable mention goes to Evan and Justin Rapaport, who hail from Miami, newcomer Sophie Robinson and Rae Srivastava.

The full capacity audience gave Ballet BC a well deserved standing ovation after each performance. Each season, Ballet BC continues a dance trajectory that ascends to new heights of beauty and captivating performance.

© 2022 Michael Pink