Smuin Ballet Enraptures with The Shins' 'Oh, Inverted World'

It grabbed me with the first arabesque. It held on and drew me deeper with the breathtaking shapes the dancers made with their bodies. And then it brought me to tears with the romantic cradle of the lovers.

The Smuin Ballet original, "Starshadows," choreographed by founder Michael Smuin kicks of the company's winter program at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Art. Smuin Ballet performs locally until Sunday, Feb. 24.

In total 14 dancers take part in all or some of the five different pieces—three choreographed by Smuin himself—and one each by choreographers Adam Hougland and Trey McIntyre, who choreographed a modern dance routine to Portland-based band The Shins about heartache and individualism.

"All of my dancers are classically trained which is why they are very proud of being ballet dancers," said Celia Fushille, artistic and executive director. "But we do such a variety [of dance]. It's ballet with a twist. We have a tradition of breaking tradition."

After "Starshadows," set to the music of Maurice Ravel, the performance continued with more displays of grace, wit and athleticism.

"Viviré," a piece from the company's first year, immediately transports the audience from classical to the contemporary and upbeat sounds of The Gypsy King. The piece at first might jar the senses of a Flamenco purist who hears the rumba and expects to see the passionate poses and tapping of shoes. Instead, Smuin creates a flirty routine nicely performed by Robin Semmelback on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Jonathan Mangosing delivered a memorable and uplifting solo performance of "Homeless" set to the African rhythms of Paul Simon and Joseph Shabalala. Mangosing demonstrated strength and vulnerability, neither at odd with the other, but instead creating a whole. A truly inspiring performance.

Taking place in a 1930s speakeasy, Hougland's "Cold Virtues" captivates from start to finish. Through the effects of costumes, lighting and staging, the story of a dark manipulative woman, performed by Susan Roemer, unfolds. This is the only piece performed by the entire company, so it's mostly group choreography except for the moments Roemer's character tries to seduce and break others apart. (Take a look at the videoclip, which includes an interview with Artistic Director Celia Fushille.)

The last piece, and the highlight—at least to my 7-year-old companion to the show—was McIntyre's "Oh, Inverted World." This lyrical dance piece is full of whimsy and teen angst all at the same time, and standa in sharp contrast to "Cold Virtues." It's happy and fun, but still gives a sense that the dancers are dealing with the pains of youth. The transitions are creative, the lighting fantastic—I spent as much time mesmerized by the amazing shadows as I did with the dancers. And just like adolescences, this dance was exhausting for the eight dancers, but yet they made it seem so effortless. (Take a look at the videoclip, which includes an interview with Artistic Director Celia Fushille.)

If all ballet performance were like this, every kid would want to see it and do it.

This was my first time catching a Smuin Ballet show and it won't be the last.

Smuin Ballet performs through Feb. 24 at the MVCPA. The Friday, Feb. 22 is at 8 p.m., followed by Saturday, Feb. 23 with a 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. program. The Sunday finale is a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets range from $52 to $68. Students: $23. Visit www.mvcpa.com or call 650-903-6000 for more information.

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