Dance Reviews : Peter Narbutas in Ashton’s ‘Illuminations’ at Pavilion)

Based on poet Arthur Rimbaud, the central role in Frederick Ashton’s “Illuminations” needs a recklessly passionate dancer who can also project implacably sardonic self-awareness.

Not an easy character to portray: a rebellious sociopath who’s his own severest judge. But Joffrey Ballet dancer Peter Narbutas danced the Poet as if born for it Sunday afternoon in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Remarkably, he had never danced the role before, but every facet glittered dangerously and Narbutas added an intense sensuality all his own. This was a feverish, unsparingly nasty interpretation--meticulous about details of mime yet achieving a malignant grandeur through sheer emotional force.

In a largely familiar cast, Julie Janus brought a surprising yet highly effective lyricism to the earthy role of Profane Love and Edward Stierle exuded haughty decadence and his characteristic technical flair in his first performance of the Dandy.

New to Ashton’s “Monotones II,” Leslie Carothers danced with her usual ravishing pliancy, though the phrasing is not yet second-nature to her. Completing the program: Ashton’s “Monotones I” and “A Wedding Bouquet” with previously reviewed casts.