Diavolo Dance Theatre (in Milan)

 

Diavolo Dance Theatre is really its own category of dance; part dance, part gymnastics, part spectacle. I have admired Jacque Heim’s work since I first saw it at UCLA then later in KA in Vegas then finally at the Hollywood Bowl last summer. I caught up with him again at the magnificent Teatro Arcimboli in Milan Italy at a full concert of his work with his company Diavolo Dance Theatre

  Diavolo Dance Theatre is based in Los Angeles and was founded by Jacque in 1992. Since then the company has toured the world wowing audiences wherever they perform. Milan audiences were no exception. The performed at the beautiful Teatro Arcimboldi, one of the best venues in Milan, which was built in 2002 and hold around 2400 patrons. Included in the event were various works from the company’s repertoire; “Origin”, a solo piece about the power of the feminine mystique utilizing a large female form. “Çapture(d)” which traces the struggles in a relationship in a courtship dance inside a rocking silver half sphere, and the exquisite “Dreamcatcher” which features an 18 foot aluminum and spinning web where dreams are reenacted, dreamt, and fulfilled. Most of Heim’s work pits man against a machine which man must learn to master. The result is exhilarating and sublime.

Heim starts with a passionate idea then finds a corresponding artwork that compels the observer to explore that object fully that means discovering the feelings it evokes, the movement required to explore and master the artwork. His company is made up of actors, gymnasts, dancers, and rock climbers. All the performers must be great athletes. What is required of each member as he swings, hangs, climbs, slides down the object is daring and trust. He doesn’t individuate his artists though they are all listed in the program. What the do is skilled and dangerous and really is a group effort. The company will take as long as six months to explore the artwork. Out of this process is created a story and a set of moves. One performer did standout though, because of his height and his prowess and that’s Garret Wolf who is also the assistant artistic director

They only performed two shows in Milan and were off to other parts of Italy. The event lasted a breathless 90 minutes and the Italian audience were enraptured and left wondering, “How did they do that”. I look forward to more performances wherever I can catch up with them. You can find out their schedule, sign up for email notification, and see pictures from the repertoire at www.diavolo.org