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February 7, 2003

Isadora... No Apologies
By LISA JO SAGOLLA

Presentedby the Isadora Duncan Dance Foundation, Inc. at
The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 W. 42 St., NYC, Jan. 22-Feb. 2, 2003

What a simple, obvious, yet absolutely terrific idea—to situate breathtaking reconstructions of Isadora Duncan’s choreographies within a snappy little play that tells her life story. Conceived by the Isadora Duncan expert, Lori Belilove, and presented at The Duke on 42nd Street, “Isadora... no apologies" is an affecting, educational portrait of the revolutionary artist who is revered as “the mother of modern dance.” Concisely written and briskly directed by Andrew Frank, the 70-minute work traces the evolution of Isadora's career, while illustrating her famously rebellious spirit as manifested in her art as well as in her unconventional personal lifestyle. Though for years dancers have been performing re-creations of Isadora’s choreography (perhaps none more masterfully than Belilove), to see the works embedded within the choreographer’s biography deepens one’s understanding of how directly Isadora's dancing sprang from the recesses of her emotional being.

“Isadora... no apologies” also offers a precious depiction of Isadora teaching the little girls she called her “Isadorables” (here portrayed by a group of Belilove’s youngest students, billed as the “Beliloveables”). To “witness” Isadora imparting her philosophies of natural movement to her wee pupils is to eavesdrop on a treasured link in the chain of dance history.

Throughout the evening the major events of Isadora’s life are conveyed through short dramatic scenes, with actress Hope Garland offering a steely portrayal of the artist, while actor Daryl Boling does yeoman's service playing every one of the (many!) male characters in Isadora's story. When Belilove “takes over” the role of Isadora in the production's dance passages, the character emerges as a more nuanced, complicated woman. Belilove floats with exquisite softness through “Blue Danube,” displays fierce feminine power in “Dance of the Furies,” and moves us to tears in “Mother,” the heartbreaking solo Isadora created upon the death of her two children. Brava, Belilove! Viva, Isadora!