LA Dance Chronicle Review: HeGEMony

HeGEMony is the newest work by choreographer and Artistic Director of Freaks With Lines Susan Vishmid. It was a short ten-minute three-act ballet that appeared to present the power struggle between the lead dancers, Owen Bakula (Opal) and Aramis Hermes Daley (Jeweler/Diamond). Bakula, a talented non-binary ballerina, was a standout displaying wonderful technique, extensions, and clearly accomplished ballet training. Daley presented a unique, almost comical take on the male lead ballerino by focusing on his hands and looking lost, while others tried to get his attention to continue dancing. Primarily performing on pointe, each of the other dancers had moments to show off their abilities.

Vishmid’s choreography lent itself to traditional ballet movement while she occasionally ventured off into less common modern interpretations of ballet. Minimal costumes featured

the five “Jewel” dancers in basic ballet tights and skirts. Their sequin-covered headpieces in different “Jewel” colors, emphasized the idea of a Jeweler struggling with his gemstones. Classical music by Verdi, Gounod and Shostakovich helped inspire the choreographer, dually preserving classical dance and subverting traditional ballet norms. 

HeGEMony premiered as part of the Sunflower Project - New Choreographers Showcase by Brockus Project Dance in Downtown Los Angeles July 29th and 30th 2023. 

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