Review: ALONZO KING'S LINES BALLET PRESENTS SUTRA ~ COMBINING EAST AND WEST RHYTHMS AND MOVES at The Wallis Annenberg Center For The Performing Arts

"Sutra" is Alonzo Kings' newest full length work, presented at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts; three years after their last appearance in Los Angeles. Originating in San Francisco in 1982, LINES Ballet is at the forefront of artistic innovation and is well-respected and famous for collaborating with musicians and visual artists all over the globe to create unique and forward-looking contemporary ballets.

This time around, pairing with two masters of their crafts, Indian Instrumentalists Zakir Hussain and Sabir Khan, Alonzo King melded together a beautiful portrait of an energetic, pulsing world, alive with intense cultural recognition, respect for history and roots, and incredible technique within the performers. It was mesmerizing, astonishing and glorious, all in one. It was done in it's entirety in 70 minutes with no intermission, which I highly prefer, especially in this type of situation. Not to have a break in the continuity of the piece, it added to the absorption and realization of the work.

The dancers were superb, both technically and expressively. Alonzo King is a master of imparting his vision to others. The company includes Babatunji, Robb Beresford, Adji Cissoko, Madeline DeVries, Shuaib Elhassan, James Gowan, Ilaria Guerra, Maya Harr, YuJin Kim, Ashley Mayeux, Michael Montgomery and Jeffrey Van Sciver.

Alonzo King is a legend in the dance world. He is the son of the civil rights activists Slater King and Valencia King Nelson. His roots and background almost demand his participation in moving our world culture forward. Through dance, he is communicating thoughtful and necessary awareness of growth and acceleration to make this world a better place; more loving and passionate than ever before.

Scenic and Lighting Design by Scott Bolman and David Finn was more than fulfilling as was Robert Rosenwasser's contribution, both scenically and costume designwise.

A beautiful presentation of a vision of future fusion of all.

Photos courtesy of Kevin Parry

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