Ririe-Woodbury wows Edinburgh

Choreographer Alwin Nikolais has been called "America's least appreciated genius" and the "father of multimedia," but, noted The Scotsman newspaper in a preview story, "on these shores he's a virtual unknown, so when a showcase marking the 10th anniversary of his death toured the United States last year, the Edinburgh International Festival was quick to invite it over here."

That showcase was done by Utah's Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, which is excited to be one of two Utah companies in the festival. Ballet West is also in Edinburgh, doing a retrospective of Anthony Tudor works.

"We are thrilled to be here," said Jena Thompson, booking and tour manager for RW, in a telephone call between performances. "This is the premiere arts festival in the world. It's the one all dance companies try to go to, but you have to be invited. It's invitation only."

RW's first performance went "very, very well," she said. "The hall was about 90 percent filled, which is very good for modern dance. We've been getting lots of press. The Scotsman gave us a five-star review."

They are dancing seven Nikolais works: "Noumenon Mobilus," "Blank on Blank," "Crucible," "Tensile Involvement," "Lythic," "Finale" and "Mechanical Organ," which span the choreographer's career from 1953 to 1987.

RW put together the program in 2003 with Murray Louis, who was co-artistic director of the Alwin Nikolais Dance Company before it disbanded following Nikolais' death in 1993. Both Shirley Ririe and Joan Woodbury have their own connections to Nikolais, as well; they both studied under him in New York.

After premiering the show in Salt Lake City, RW took it to New York, Italy and France. "Nik was quite famous in France," explained Thompson. "The French government embraced him, started a school for him. He started the modern dance movement in France. That's why he's so well known there."

But, she added, "he is not as well known in the U.K. It's been nice to introduce him to this audience."

Judging by their first performance, this audience is ready to embrace him, as well, she said. "They are not like the European audiences, which stomp in unison. But they are very vocal. We went to another show where the audience actually booed. They let you know what they think."

Thompson has been contacted by the director of the Saddler Wells Theatre in London, who will be in Edinburgh. "He wants to bring the show there." RW will also be returning to France and Italy and will be going on to Spain.

In the meantime, there's Edinburgh, with all its history, culture and scenery. "The dancers are loving it. They try not to walk too much. This is a very hilly place. But the hospitality's been wonderful. It's a great experience."

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com