Raiford Rogers' Modern Artistry

Contemporary spirit mixed with polished ballet training

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Wednesday, Jun 18 2008

Having established sterling credentials on the local dance scene as the L.A. Chamber Ballet, this troupe has made a transition over the past few years to its current and more accurate moniker: Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet. Like a rose, by any name the group deserves the critical praise it receives. Rogers has attracted a band of extraordinary dancers who infuse polished ballet training and compelling modern dance aesthetic into his evocative, minimalist and always musical choreography. Rogers unveils his newest, Grosse Fuge and Cavatina, drawn from sections of two Beethoven string quartets that were among the last pieces written by the composer before his death. The program also reprises Rogers’ Transcription No. 2 (Passacaglia), set to Max Reger’s piano transcription of Bach’s Passacaglia BWV 582, and Prelude in Green, Adagio in Blue, set to Corelli’s Sonata for Violin and Cello. To see video clips of Raiford Rogers Modern Ballet on Dance Channel TV, go to www.laweekly.com/stage and click on the dance pick. Cal State L.A., Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, E.L.A.; Sat., June 21, 8 p.m.; $30-$35. (323) 343-6600 or www.luckmanarts.org.—Ann Haskins