Marden Ramos, artist in residence at the Richland Academy of the Arts in downtown Mansfield, recently flew to Stamford, CT. to work with the Connecticut Ballet. Brett Raphael, director of the Connecticut Ballet, commissioned Ramos to create a new, contemporary choreography for 6 of his dancers. Ramos was a former colleague of Brett Raphael, dancing principal roles in Connecticut Ballet’s Nutcracker in the off season when Ramos was dancing with the Elisa Monte Dance Company. The director contacted Ramos 6 months ago to engage his recognized choreographic artistic skill for an original work. The 14-minute piece premiered May 11 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford and will be performed throughout this next year at Hartford Bushnell’s Belding Theatre.
Christopher Arnott, critic for the Hartford Courant describes the piece as follows… “Cuban-born choreographer Marden Ramos’ In the Shadow of Women has six lithe, undulating dancers in sheer, skintight leotards that make them appear nude. The music, by the electronic composer Kodomo, has an old-school bass-and-drum techno base layered with emotional melodies. The composer Kodomo was in attendance and thrilled to have his music alive in choreography.
The dancers cling to and fold in on each other, then revolve like kinetic sculptures. “In the Shadow of Women” narrows into a tender yet power-filled duet before winding down to a sensual female trio.
In the Shadow of Women is a dreamlike dance containing close, romantic interactions as well as assertions of independence and personal identity; Connecticut Ballet describes the piece as being inspired by woman’s power, love and beauty.” It’s a a lively artistic extension of raw human feelings like love, despair, anger and amusement.”
For more information about upcoming events, classes and programing visit http://www.richlandacademy.comor contact Richland Academy by calling Megan Williams at 419-522-8224 or by emailing mwilliams@richlandacademy.com.
“Richland Academy…where anyone can explore the artist within”, located at the corner of 4th and Walnut St. was founded in 1991 and is supported by the Ohio Arts Council