Theatre Reviewer: Paper Bird

As Megan and I sat in anticipation on the lawn of the Arvada Center's amphitheatre for Paper Bird and Ballet Nouveau, we had no idea what to expect. Neither of us had heard of the band, nor had we ever seen the ballet performers. What we did know was that we were holding two very cheap tickets (thanks to the employee discount, they cost next to nothing) and that we were prepared to enjoy ourselves (Megan having bought herself a beer and for myself, a vodka lemonade).

The eclectic group of audience members seemed a bit more clued in as to what we were about to witness, though who knows, maybe they were just excited for the first concert of the summer. Either way, the band was greeted with uproarious cheers and applause and there seemed to be a hushed suspense as the first dancer walked gracefully onstage.



Me in front of the Ballet Nouveau tent.

The band (consisting of, among other things, a banjo player, a trumpet player, and three female singers) has a real indie feel to it. Think The Decemberists with a little bit of Regina Spektor. Their harmonies blended beautifully and I found myself enamored by the sing-song lyrics and intricate compositions.

Complimenting that folk genre, the ballet dancers were dressed accordingly. The men in fall colored argyle, the woman in flowy, tea length dresses.

What really made the evening "genre defying" (as the advertisement so eloquently put it)was the pure imagination in composing such a show. Folk music and ballet aren't two things that you are likely to see combined, so to see such a professional group of dancers paired with the folky/alternative band was truly unique.

Recognition should be given to the choreographer of the numbers, who mixed classic ballet with a little bit of country flair. The formations were unique and eye-pleasing, blending an even balance of quick movement and more flowing,vulnerable numbers. I especially liked when the dancers synchronized their clapping with the band's intermittently between powerful dance poses.

All in all, the evening's entertainment was refreshing and feel-good. Listening to the final encore performance "Carry On," pleasantly reminded me that summer had surely arrived.


Megan holding her ticket