This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Stephen Petronio Dances Back to Royce!
photo of Stephen Petronio Company by Steve Schriber
The New York-based Stephen Petronio Company returns to UCLA Live this weekend for a pair of performances honoring the acclaimed company's 25th year anniversary and, as the choreographer says, "[ride] the awesome and unpredictable force of now." Inspired by natural events that "affect us from without and within," I Drink the Air Before Me,has been described in the New York Times as "a sonic ephemeral wave...ferocious speed, rigorous structure and dancers who ravel and unravel like ribbons."
Collaborating with contemporary composer Nico Muhly, Petronio describes the piece as moving from "a calm world through swelling peaks . . . and onto an invocation . . . of calm and hope." He attributes the title to a line from none other than William Shakespeare's The Tempest, but makes it clear that there is no narrative in the work. Hmmm . . . glad he clarified the lack of a story line. Otherwise, it almost sounded romantic, which is, perhaps, the last thing I'd expect from this explosive dancemaker.
What excites me about Petronio's body of work is that he and his dancers can start fires onstage with their brilliant machinations, there's always something moving and I can feel the energy up in the $5 seats. The company has performed throughout the world at all the most prestigious venues and their visit with us is in the middle of their west coast tour. So, let's catch 'em while they're hot!
Drink some of THIS and head over to the westside!
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
