The Legacy of Gerald Arpino: A Pioneering Choreographer's Work

Gerald Arpino was a pioneering choreographer who dominated the American ballet scene in the 20th century with his athletic, sensual, and contemporary-themed dances. A two-week festival of his work at the Joyce Theater in New York City celebrates his legacy, featuring seven works from 1962 to 1986. Arpino's ballets were known for their energy, youthfulness, and topicality, often pushing the boundaries of classical ballet line and form. Despite initial criticism from influential critics, his work has endured, with about a dozen ballets remaining in circulation.

Key Takeaways:

• Gerald Arpino was a pioneering choreographer who created over 50 ballets, with the majority still in circulation.
• His ballets were characterized by their athleticism, sensuality, and contemporary themes, often pushing the boundaries of classical ballet line and form.
• Arpino's work was initially met with criticism from influential critics, who deemed it slick, kitsch, and facile.
• Despite criticism, Arpino's ballets were well-loved by audiences, who appreciated their accessibility and emotional intensity.
• His use of contemporary themes and topics, such as Vietnam, the counterculture, and rock 'n' roll, made his ballets resonate with audiences.
• Arpino's emphasis on emotional intensity and "zah!" – a term he coined to describe the connection between the dancer and the audience – helped to create a direct connection with the audience.
• His ballets have been performed by companies such as the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, and Dance Theater of Harlem.

Statistics:

• Gerald Arpino created over 50 ballets during his career.
• About a dozen of his ballets remain in circulation, with notable examples including "Round of Angels," "Light Rain," and "Sea Shadow."
• The Joyce Theater's festival features seven works by Arpino, spanning from 1962 to 1986.
• The festival will run from September 30 to October 12, 2022.

Sources:

• [1] "A Brief Biography of Gerald Arpino" by the Joyce Theater.
• [2] "The Gerald Arpino Foundation" by the Gerald Arpino Foundation.
• [3] "Gerald Arpino's 'Sea Shadow' Returns, Love-Struck" by The New York Times.
• [4] "Joyce Theater to Host Festival of Arpino Works" by Dance Magazine.
• [5] "Gerald Arpino" by The Royal Ballet.