Dynamic Abandon: SOD Students Learn Limón
Students in Rehearsal for “Psalm.” Photo by Dakota Barth
“This historical repertory is a treat for any dancer who has the honor of learning it.”
This is what University of Utah School of Dance student Isabella DeCandido has to say about learning José Limón’s “Psalm,” which she will be performing in the upcoming concert “Unbound,” as well as in the Limón Dance Company concert hosted by UtahPresents on September 24th. Associate Professor Natalie Desch, who was a member of the Limón Dance Company from 1996 through 2001 and is a certified reconstructor of Limón’s work, is staging and directing the performance.
Students in Rehearsal for “Psalm.” Photo by Dakota Barth
The School of Dance’s collaboration with Utah Presents to host the Limón Dance Company and accompanying performances brings a wealth of opportunities to students. From performing alongside the Company, to attending masterclasses, to getting the chance to learn vital modern dance repertory, “Psalm” provides students the chance to embody the humanist values of Limón himself.
“José Limón (1908–1972) electrified the world with his dynamic masculine dancing and dramatic choreography. One of the 20th century’s most important and influential dance makers, he spent his entire career pioneering a new art form and fighting for the recognition and establishment of the American Modern Dance. Born in Culiacán, Mexico in 1908, he immigrated to California in 1915, and in 1928 Limón came to New York and saw his first dance program. Limón enrolled in the dance school of Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman and, from 1930–1940, performed in works created by his teachers. In 1946, with Doris Humphrey as Artistic Director, Limón formed his own company. Over the following 25 years, he established himself and his company as one of the major forces of 20th century dance.”
“Psalm” was choreographed by Limón in 1967. Limón wrote that he hoped the piece would be “an evocation of the heroic power of the human spirit, triumphant over death itself.” The choreography is energetic, driving, and rhythmic, featuring long sequences of unison and group work. Desch describes the excerpt students will be performing as “stunning in its dynamic abandon which is bound together by the strength and unity of the community that dances it.”
This concept of strength and unity has been a key focus of rehearsals, especially as students describe this piece as particularly formidable. DeCandido says the choreography is “challenging both mentally and physically in the best ways.” Student Lyndsey Wilmes said that it is “the fastest and most articulate choreography I have ever done,” adding that “outside of rehearsals, I began going to the gym and performing exercises specific to the movements in this piece.”
Natalie Desch running rehearsal for “Psalm.” Photo by Dakota Barth.
In this challenge, though, the students are supported by Desch and the rehearsal process. DeCandido says Desch “is masterfully organized and knows the choreography inside and out.” In order to ground the students in the Limón Style and Limón Technique (both trademarks), Desch starts rehearsals with combinations she learned from her time in the Limón Dance Company.
These efforts have bound the performers together. “Our time together has been focused on the principles of Limón's style and technique, and we've been having fun!” said Desch. “We've built a community that breathes, counts, and dances together so beautifully. It has been a rich, multi-tiered educational experience for all of us.”
Part of that educational experience that cannot be understated is the UtahPresents performance. “I still can’t believe that I am going to share the stage with the Limón Dance Company,” said Wilmes, who actually bought a ticket to the concert far before she knew she’d be performing in it.
“While I am a little nervous, I am more excited than anything,” said DeCandido. “I am excited to watch the Limón Dance Company work and perform… it is rare to get a glimpse inside such a renowned company.” (Students in the School of Dance also have the opportunity to take a masterclass with the Limón Dance Company Artistic Director, Dante Puleio, as well as attend a lecture/demo with the company.)
The hard work and enthusiasm injected in this process will no doubt come through in the performance. “When I execute a section, it feels so satisfying because I know that I worked to achieve every detail of this piece,” said Wilmes.
Students in Rehearsal for “Psalm.” Photo by Dakota Barth
“As I witness the dedication of these young artists in the work, I feel they wholly honor Limón's intentions,” said Desch. “The rhythms of their feet, heartbeats, and breath all work toward this celebration of the human spirit. I'm so grateful to collaborate with these dancers in an artistic space where the history of our field is supported, and the ideas of an iconic choreographer's vision can be vibrantly brought to life in the present moment.”
Natalie Desch running rehearsal for “Psalm.” Photo by Dakota Barth.
You can see School of Dance students perform an excerpt from Jose Limón’s “Psalm” at their Utah Presents concert with the Limón Dance Company, on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Kingsbury Hall. Click here for tickets and information.
You can also see the excerpt from “Psalm” at the upcoming School of Dance concert, “Unbound,” which runs October 1-10. Click here for tickets and information.