Saturday, November 16, 2019

Day 352-Path of Miracles-ODC/Dance with the Mendelssohn Choir-Interactive Reflective Journey of Dance



Pittsburgh Dance Council  celebrates its 50th season with a bold new series of diverse programming.  Recently, Path of Miracles by the San Francisco company, ODC/Dance, brought movement into a spiritual setting (the historic Trinity Cathedral) and merged it with the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh for an interactive reflective journey of dance.   


Reflection
The holiday season and the pending start of a new year is personally a spiritual time when I often  reflect on the events of the past year and my dreams and goals for the future. Path of Miracles dances the "Camino de Santiago" a pilgrimage across northern Spain where today many hike or bike this trail finding spiritual refection and growth. This show invites you to travel on your own journey  by making you part of the dance experience.


The cathedral was filled with light rays of blue and purple that cast a hue of color on the white stone walls and pillars. The motion appeared dreamlike in the room that mirrored twilight. The dancers performed to the choir work of British composer Joby Talbot beautifully sung by the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. 

Path of Miracles was danced in 4 segments.  Each part represented a portion of the journey on the “Camino de Santiago” trail: first-the beginning of the walk were patrons exhibit enthusiasm and fear; second-after weeks on the trail, patrons doubt their abilities to finish; third-the walk produces intimate relationships; and fourth-a reunion of all those who finished.

The performance opened with the low hum of the choir. It began to crescendo like a plane taking off as the dancers ran, jumped, held lifts and intertwined. The dance was modern and the constant motion of the nine dancers showcased their athleticism. At times they melted into each other, danced with walking sticks and moved in pairs.  


We walked through the cathedral and even outside following the dancers for each of the 4 segments. This was an immersive performance because you were part of it.

After the performance, the dancers mingled with the audience thanking them for attending and for taking the journey. We were part of the reunion of those who walked the “Camino de Santiago.”

Path of Miracles was a night of dance but also a night that mirrored the reflective nature of a long journey. The beauty of the dance and the powerful sounds of the gothic choir music produced both an emotional and peaceful experience- it was a reflective journey of dance.  

(For more information on the Pittsburgh Dance Council 2019-20 season go to trustarts.org. )

Spiritual Refection
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

Other Sources
Pittsburgh Dance Council
https://trustarts.org/pct_home/events/series/pittsburgh-dance-council