Educational Media Reviews Online

Journey: A Mythical Dance Fantasy is a mythological dance fantasy combining contemporary ballet with pop, new age and semi-classical music. The plots of Journey: A Mythical Dance Fantasy seem to come straight from a seminar by the late Joseph Campbell. One story line parallels the voyage of Ulysses (atonement with the father), while the other is inspired by the Demeter myth (Electra complex?)

Journey: A Mythical Dance Fantasy is a unique and exciting dance production. The program combines innovative movement with classical ballet forms. The imaginative scenery and lighting in this production is impressive. In one striking scene dancers performed in two inches of water! In another scene the dancers created a raft out of their walking staffs. Other scenes had dancers suspended on bungee cables, climbing a giant net, jumping down holes, etc. If this sounds totally ridiculous, it isn't. Far from being a silly mishmash of unconnected dance ideas, a Mythical Dance Fantasy builds to a satisfying pas de deux.

Brilliant cinematography and vivid colors make this documentary a feast for the eyes. Sound quality is excellent. I particularly liked the pop, semi-classical musical score by Michael Conway Baker and Judith Lander. Lighting was unobtrusive and interesting, and unlike many modern dance productions it was not too dark! The choreography by Patti Caplette, who gets marvelous dancing from the performers, is outstanding.

Originally broadcast on the Bravo! network., institutions can now purchase this video. Journey: A Mythical Dance Fantasy is highly recommended to college, university, performing arts, and fine art's libraries. Anyone who has an interest in modern dance will want to see this video.