Dancing for Nicole has always been a fulfilling outlet. In a sea of choreographers, she is the rare gem that pulls from her past to create a distinct voice and light style. As a performer it's a treat to explore the lighter side of dance every now and then. Now, do not confuse "light" for "simple" or "basic," because that has never been the case for Ms. Buggé. On the contrary: her work, though usually character in its presentation (a rare treat to find these days), stems from a deeper concern for the human condition. Especially from a social perspective.
All of Buggé Ballet's repertoire have that spinal-connection of interpersonal relationships. A dancer is allowed to be human instead of a mere abstraction or moving body, a bold distinction from Nicole's many peers. Through her work she sets us, her dancers, up to explore our more social selves, taking on a basic and distilled idea and sifting it through layers of complications. The audience is presented with not just "the idea," but the idea from a human perspective. The academic exploration replaced by a need to tell a story. To get a point across. That is Nicole's forte and token voice. She shares her perspective through storytelling.
In that sense, Ms. Buggé reaches from and gives honor too her classical ballet background with extreme clarity. She sees us for the people that we are and plays amongst the personalities we put forth. It broadens what she demands of us, as well. Not just technique and an aesthetic style, but acting and character play, developing emotional layers and attachment that is rarely asked of from a dancer these days. It gives us the expressive platform we rarely get.
Not to mention Nicole's work is just so rewarding. Not just for the performers, but for the audience, too. It transcends what we, the dancers, experience and draws the audience in. It's an external moment that everyone in the room can share and "get in on."
In Nicole's newest work, "The Chicken Went to Scotland," her flair for storytelling continues and grows. We are exploring real and current themes, such as cultural trade/influence and how it molds or isolates a person. On top of that, we are also working on distinct characters and the relationships that would natural blossom from their interacting. It's a new and exciting exploration every day, slowly etching and refining the work under many equally intelligent and creative voices. To see what happens when the chicken does, indeed, go to Scotland, come see Buggé Ballet's production in the Jump on the DanceWagon series at the Ailey City Group Theatre April 24th through the 26th.
To support Buggé Ballet's Indiegogo campaign: http://igg.me/at/buggeballet
Tickets are available online at www.jdw2015.brownpaperticket.com
For more information on the series visit www.jumponthedancewagon.com
For a more detailed look into Nicole Buggé's productions and company development visit www.buggeballet.com