Best in Arts, 2009
It’s that time of year when the “best of,” “most memorable,” and “worst of” lists are compiled and broadcasted for all to see and hear. I haven’t even had Pro Diligo for a year (we began in August 2009) yet, but it’s nice to indulge my opinions with an accumulation of what I enjoyed the most in 2009. So, relying primarily on images (click the links for more details on a listed item), here’s my top 12 (in chronological order):
- Feliciano Dance Company’s performance at the Joyce SoHo (February 5-8). It’s about time Hip Hop dance up-ed the anti and became a contender in high art:
2. American Ballet Theatre’s Culinary Pas de Deux at Pier 60 (April 20). This is where I got to salsa with Marcelo Gomes, which needless to say, not only makes this list, but will be on my all time favorite moments:
3. Hiroaki Umeda performance at Japan Society (May 14). By far the most wonderful mixed-media “dance” presentation I’ve ever witnessed:
4. Dance Sweden Film Festival in New York City (June 1). Here is where I was first introduced to the film work of Pontus Lidberg, who I’ve come to know as one of the most intelligent, articulate and creative people working in dance today:
5. Lewis Forever at the New Museum (June 25). They changed the way I thought about performance art:
6. The Frick Museum Garden Party (July 15). It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to sip cocktails in one of the most beautiful (and private) gardens in NYC:
7. Fire Island Dance Festival at The Pines on Long Island (July 19). The producers of Dancer’s Responding to AIDS know how to curate a spectacular dance show; with the ocean as a backdrop and plenty of food, friends and cocktails this was definitely one of my favorite events: 
8. American Ballet Theatre’s Fall Gala (October 7). I was thrilled that ABT commissioned some new works by more contemporary choreographers: Alexi Ratmansky, Azure Barton, and Benjamin Millepied and I always love catching up with my fellow junior council members over dinner, drinks and dancing:
9. Clive Barnes Memorial at the Walter Reade Theater (November 2). As a blossoming writer, it was such a grounding and blessed experience to be in an intimate setting with some of my dance heros (writers and performers) honoring the legacy of such a phenomenal human being:
10. First meeting of The Lost Generation (November 3). Is there really anything better than having a few glasses of wine with the most intelligent people you know?:
11. Salah’s Popping Class at Broadway Dance Center (November 10). I learned more in 1.5 hours than I have in 2 years. He’s a very special and enlightening instructor and I was grateful to BDC for bringing him over from France:
12. Complexions Contemporary Dance at the Joyce Theater (November 24). My review says it all:
December 26, 2009
Thanks for sharing your favorites from 2009! How funny that we were both at Lewis Forever but hadn’t met yet…that was a memorable event and evening. I’ll never forget the impromptu Michael Jackson dance party.
Happy new year, Joey!
January 3, 2010
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