Two musical compositions created by local composer Craig Harris had their New York City debut in a performance by the Six Degrees Modern Dance Company at the prestigious Merce Cunningham Dance Studio on Jan. 23 and 24.
The Merce Cunningham Dance Studio was created to provide a performance and rehearsal space in New York City for the world-renowned modern dancer Merce Cunningham, and as a showcase for outside modern dance groups.
Craig Harris, a Secaucus resident, was commissioned to write two pieces of music for Six Degrees as part of their first full evening of dance.
The theme of the first piece, called “360,” was addiction, its effect on the addict as well as the family, ending in a familiar outcome. The dancers creatively expressed the pain that is suffered by the addict, the anguish of the family, and the struggle of both to decide the path of recovery or to stay in addiction.
The scene opened with the strained sounds of a Japanese-type flute that struck the chords of pain that an addict endures. Later, an electric guitar solo clearly captured the struggle of the addict choosing between staying with other junkies, or following the path to find help. The final phrases of flute music returned the addict to the beginning of the piece to start the process all over again.
The theme of the second piece of music, called “Anum,” was an inventive and modern interpretation of the four seasons. Beginning with winter, the music expressed nature’s power and subtle strength, moving softly into spring, where the melodies blossomed and flowed. The piece then continued into summer, where a hot tango described the season’s passion and love. The piece ended in fall, where the music seemed to brew up a storm as the presence of winter stepped in on the final notes.
Craig Harris, a professional musician, has been composing and recording music for over 30 years. In addition to playing percussion and guitar with various groups, his compositions also include original children’s songs for daycare centers, website background music, and now compositions for a modern dance.
Dance company local, also
The Six Degrees Dance Company is based in Jersey City and was founded by Misty Nelson and Cecly Placenti in 2003. The dancers and the music they use express the company’s diverse backgrounds, training styles, and professional experience to give them a fresh look and new sound that stands apart from other modern dance groups.
They have performed at the Dumbo Dance Festival in Brooklyn and at other venues in New York City and New Jersey. For more information about future performance of Six Degrees Dance Company, visit their website at www.sixdegreesdance.org.