Ballare, baile, balletto, tanzen. No matter the language, it’s all dancing. What has become known as ballroom dancing evolved from upper class gaillardes and waltzes into something more egalitarian, to the point that now it’s for anyone with enough discipline, dedication, gumption and a big smile (unless it’s Tango) to get out on the floor and let it rip. It’s also become a competitive sport all over the world. State Street Ballet has done numerous “Ballroom” shows that feature many of the most popular forms while pushing the boundaries to include some original iterations such as Emmy Winner Robert Sund’s “B.A.N.D” set to music music from the big band era by Benny Goodman, the Andrew Sisters, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington. New additions to this year’s show included a bubbly and fun piece by Laurie Eisenhower set to music associated with the Lawrence Welk show, aptly titled “Bubbles.” Yikes, never thought I’d be seeing and enjoying this after suffering thru that staple of American television kitsch during the early 1960s! Then there was the hip-hop influenced “Stand by Me” by Kassandra Taylor Newberry providing humor and contemporary electricity, and co-artistic director William Soleau’s new “Misty.” The show was bookended by two work two more works by Soleau, his stylishly romantic “Five by Gershwin” and the sultry and dramatic “Nuevo Tango.” All good dancing fun!
