DanceAspen presents ‘LIMITLESS’

DanceAspen has built a reputation for pushing themselves both physically and artistically and expanding the boundaries of contemporary dance. So it’s no wonder they call their latest performance “LIMITLESS.”

In addition to the innovative dancers, the evening features “Cloudline,” the contemporary work of world-renowned choreographer Robyn Mineko Williams, and live music by violinist Mintze Wu. It also includes a new piece by in-house choreographers and dancers Matthew Gilmore and Madeleine Scott, as well as the return of a favorite: “Scale Back,” by Gilmore.

“The artists show a spectrum of beauty and execution that pushes the art form of dance beyond any restrictions, truly limitless,” said Laurel Winton, executive director of DanceAspen, adding that the show offers “an unparalleled journey through the realms of movement and emotion.”

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As the self-described “fresh new voice in the next generation of contemporary dance,” DanceAspen aims to create presentations that open the audience’s minds, exposing them to something never seen before as the dancers challenge themselves physically and artistically.

“In addition to offering a full spectrum of physicality and artistry, this program pushes the ‘limits’ of contemporary dance as it is understood today,” Winton said.

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DanceAspen chose to highlight Williams’ piece, “Cloudline,” because Winton previously danced with Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and remembers being in awe of performances by Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago, for which Williams worked heavily at the time and initially crafted the piece.

“Her work always stuck out to me as exceptional. I always consult the dancers of DanceAspen before choosing a choreographer to bring to Aspen, and when I suggested Robyn, everyone was very excited about the idea. ‘Cloudline’ is not only a visually stunning piece, but also an imaginative journey for the artists, as well as the audience members,” Winton said. “Williams creates a fusion of art and athleticism that transcends boundaries, giving the performance cinematic inspiration.”

Williams currently teaches at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. When she created “Cloudline” in 2015, she set out to generate a cinematic piece with nonlinear timelines that reflect past, present, and future, she said. The dancers use a huge swath of silk material, which adds to the theatrical mood of wonder.

“It makes it feel like a different world, and my hope is that you get sucked into it and live in a different world,” she said. “It feels fantastical.”

The scene of the lovers playing under the sheet from the movie “Romeo and Juliet” acted as early inspiration for the work, full of youth and openness.

“There’s something about the soundtrack of a piece built cinematically. I’m inspired by the movies; I enjoy the movement of this piece — there’s no right way to see it. Every time I see it, I have a different way of seeing it,” she said. “I’m always grateful for audiences to experience art. One thing I hope for is to be able to relate or experience something for a moment, even if it’s an abstract moment that reminds the audience of a (specific) time of life.”

Gilmore’s work, “The Minimum of Form,” showcases the classical technique of the dancers and graces the stage with abstract forms, while the revamped version of “Scaleback” adds a new dimension. Madeleine Scott’s new work, “Sliding Glass Door,” explores a visual partnership between AI-generated CGI and human shapes.

Local musician Wu, who has collaborated with DanceAspen in past performances, accompanies dancers in one of the premieres, adding even more energy to the evening.

“Live music always changes the way the dancers perform. It’s a partnership in itself and demands a presence that lends itself to a beautiful connection between dancer and musician. Mintze Wu has a wonderful connection with the artists of DanceAspen. She understands them and is able to transcend and breathe life into both the musical notes and the movement of the dancers,” Winton said. “I can’t wait for the Aspen audience to experience what these artists produce alongside the masterpiece of Robyn’s ‘Cloudline.'”