Fugaz, composed by choreographer Cayetano Soto, opened 'Spirit of Dance', presented by Introdans, a modern ballet group from Arnhem, the Netherlands, at Teater Besar, Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI), Surakarta, Central Java.

'This number was indeed inspired by a feeling of pain and loss,' Soto said after the performance. The show was previously staged at Erasmus Huis and the Jakarta Playhouse May 2-4.

As indicated by its creator, Fugaz is a calm repertory. This composition was born as a tribute to his late father. Unsurprisingly, the prevailing feel of the piece was quiet and gentle with its slow movements. Eight dancers, notably Mirjana Doric, Yulanne de Groot, Verine Bouwman, Mara Hulspas, Filippo Pelacchi and Ruben Ventoso, gracefully appeared on stage.

''¦ But apart from that, Fugas actually aims to convey happiness, relief and appreciation. This is not a black-and-white piece. It is open to interpretation by the audience,' Soto pointed out.

It was one of the repertories presented by Erasmus Huis, the Dutch Cultural Center, The Netherlands Embassy, in Jakarta, in cooperation with ISI Surakarta. Spirit of Dance offered seven choreography pieces. Other than Fugas, there was also Het Debat XL, Cor Perdut Palimpsest, La Morte del Cigno, Passage, Messiah, and Scheidslijn.

Fugacious and evanescent: Dancers perform Fugaz, choreographed by Cayetano Soto.
After a short intermission, the second session began with Messiah, created by Ed Wubbe. It was the only classical ballet piece in the show. Messiah was inspired by a hymn or poetic song of praise.

Passage and Het Debat XL, the works of Ton Wiggers, emerged at the close of Spirit of Dance. Passage was rendered in a refined fashion, while Het Debat XL, performed by 14 dancers, was a colossal spectacle.

Introdans truly displayed captivating improvisational ballet that evening. It not only had good technical command but its dancers performed with heart and soul. The 90 minutes of stage action was a rarity in Solo.

'Solo is a dance city with an enthusiastic and highly appreciative audience. Our visit to Indonesia has never been complete without a show here [in Solo],' said Roel Voorintholt in his message before the performance.

Sublime and beautiful: Moving with their hearts and soul, dancers have prodigious technical control.

Betwixt and between: Het Debat XL by Ton Wiggers closes the show.

Cherubim and seraphim: Messiah by Wubbe is the only classical work in the show.

Synergy and synergism: Cofunctioning dancers, lissome and limber, require deep understanding of the work.

Black and white: Dancers convey the chiaroscuro of anguish and rapture.

' Photos by JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi