Sublime Sylvie

November 28, 2001

Before I even stepped in the theater last night, I knew I was biased. Sylvie Guillem was performing in 6000 miles away, a program of William Forsythe, Jirí Kylián and Mats Ek pieces, and although I’d never seen her in person before, videos and stories already had me convinced I’d love her. And I did. Guillem uses her limbs the way Van Gogh uses brushstrokes, Waugh uses words or Prokofiev notes. Her movement is so liquid, but she’s in complete control at every moment—there’s authority and specificity without looking arduous. The woman seems as comfortable on relevé as she would be if she were on a couch eating bonbons.

 

I know, I’m being a bit hyperbolic and effusive here. But if any dancer invites hyperbole, it’s Guillem.