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Mark Morris Dance Group at SPAC
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center offers a great way to see a renowned company
Mark Morris Dance Group in V (Photo: Robbie Jack)
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a summer oasis for all things arts. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY and more commonly known as SPAC, the large, semi-open theater is nestled among the trees and looks organically placed amid its setting. Seeing a performance in the airy atmosphere with less controlled lighting and conditions than a conventional theater provides a new and unique experience, even when watching a familiar dance work. This is a wonderful venue to see the Mark Morris Dance Group, who will be performing in the amphitheatre for the first time.
During their two-day engagement, July 20–21, the company will be presenting five works. Spanning decades of Morris’ choreography, the critically acclaimed dances will be performed with live musical accompaniment by their own MMDG Music Ensemble. Returning to SPAC for the first time since 1988, where they performed at the Spa Little Theatre, the company’s performance details note that was their last performance before moving to Brussels and becoming Belgium’s national dance company (the Monnaie Dance Group/Mark Morris). In three performances over two days, Monday, July 20 evening and Tuesday, July 21 matinee programs include Bedtime, All Fours and V. Their final performance on Tuesday evening will feature Love Song Waltzes, Bedtime and Grand Duo.
The Mark Morris Dance Center is established in Brooklyn, but has locations in California and Illinois. Founded in 1980, Morris has created a vast repertory of celebrated works for his troupe as well as other dance companies. Also, directing and choreographing for major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, his repertory list is, perhaps, among the few that must be cataloged with a ballet slipper or opera glasses symbol (which he does on the MMDG website).
As part of their modern dance series, SPAC’s season features two companies, Mark Morris Dance Group and Paul Taylor Dance Company (who performed in June). This is a season that presents leaders in modern dance and respected choreographers with years of exceptional works. The SPAC season provides a great way to multi-task with fresh air and refreshing performances.