DANCE REVIEW : GOODMAN’S ‘FORCE OF GRAVITY’

Where a confused sense of minimalism leads some choreographers to attempt and accomplish very little, Karen Goodman’s new hourlong “Force of Gravity” does nothing less than rediscover the process of physical mastery and explore it as a metaphor for emotional and spiritual struggle.

In this ambitious, engrossing solo for herself, Goodman takes on exhaustion and inertia, as well as the pull of gravity. Rediscovering the dynamics inherent in her movement, she casts her lot with the pioneers of modern dance rather than with the proponents of post-modern minimalism.

The Prologue finds Goodman poised on a narrow ledge in a sustained diver’s crouch. Teetering, she finds and tests a standing balance. Act I centers on rising and falling and her first tentative steps. In Act II she repeats simple movements with growing control and confidence. As the movement enlarges and grows more fluid, the twistings and turnings of faith and courage emerge.

Goodman’s pacing, concentration and splendid technique save the work from banality. Still, it culminates in rather generalized modern dance that sometimes lacks the imprint of Goodman’s individuality.

Steve Moshier’s electronic score hums, beeps and bleats sympathetically. Artful lighting by Marianne Schneller enhances the visual imagery. “Force of Gravity” will be performed again Sept. 5, 12 and 26 during the Fringe Festival.