Dance Superstars Collide in Lindsay Nelko's Awakening

Last night at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, Lindsay Nelko—the Second Runner Up at the 2013 Capezio A.C.E. Awards—premiered her show Awakening as a part of the A.C.E. Awards Winners Festival. I count myself as lucky to have been in the audience, witnessing the next big step for this up-and-coming choreographer.

Joseph Kudra and Acacia Schachte appearing courtesy of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet (photo by Matthew Murphy)

Nelko has had an envious career so far as a freelance choreographer, and producing Awakening is another feather in her cap. Her absurdly talented and accomplished cast— with dancers from Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet (oh hey, Ida Saki), Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Broadway and beyond—came together as a pickup company par excellence and delivered the evening, despite their stylistic differences.

I especially loved the section “Dysmorphia,” which featured the women confronting and cowering from a mirror, and the section “Lifeline,” which featured three lovely duets and bright, colorful banners stretched across the stage.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t quite as thrilled with the piece’s approach to partnering, which was traditional and bordered on basic. We know these dancers are crazy amazing, and I would have loved to see a little bit more inventiveness in the way they interacted with each other.

That said, the show was certainly an impressive accomplishment. Way to go Lindsay! We can’t wait to see what you’re up to next.