Newsday (Nassau Edition) from Hempstead, New York • 176

A 31 1. IT part Rudolf Nureyev with members of the Murray Louis Dance Company DAN By Wayne Robins The collaboration between Murray Louis and Rudolf Nureyev promised to be at least interesting. But few in the audience for last night's opening at the Minskoff Theatre in Manhattan were prepared for what developed out of the pairing of a most reliable modern dance choreographer and today's greatest ballet dancer. What emerged was fireworks, a flaming dance display that showed both Louis and Nureyev to be at the peak of their considerable powers. It is probably true that every accomplished 1978 longs serious to do dramatic comedy.

actor Ni Nureyev's premieres last Sir Lawrence Olivier, in APRIL Woody Allen movie. night made one think of his prime, starring in a Woody Allen movie. appearance in one of the two dances making world The dance was "The Canarsie Venus," and the plot couldn't have been more simple. The Greek goddess was cast adrift in the Aegean sea; she washed up on Canarsie Beach, which happens to be in the nearly mythical borough known as Brooklyn. In the case of "The Canarsie Venus," a myth is as good as a smile.

Before the visit by the goddess, there was a typical beach scene. Would-be bathers lounged on blankets; there were cases of beer, box lunches, shopping bags from Zabar's delicatessen, ice buckets and umbrellas. Nureyev entered the scene somewhat aloofly, carrying a beach lounge and an airline bag. With 6 6 The two replacements the main are finding fresh values in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. .) Allan Wallach on 'The King and Page 54A 56A 1019001 fireworks impeccable comic timing, he prepared himself for some relaxation, donning white gloves, elegant sunglasses, and finally, suntan lotion, which he rubbed under his armpits.

It may have been the most wonderfully inconsequential solo of his career, done to music by Cole Porter. It was all just a setup, of course. When Anne McLeod appeared as Venus, Nureyev was shaken out of his passivity. Their pas de deux was laden with an exotic tenderness. Together, they achieved a soulful intimacy that nevertheless was right in context with the basically humorous setting.

The Murray Louis company dancers added some inventive sight gags with towels that were done with standard Louis precision. Innovatively conceived and meticulously performed, "The Canarsie Venus" has to be considered one of the most considerable achievements in modern dance in this decade. Louis also choreographed a solo for Nureyev called "Vivace," to Bach's "Fugue in Minor." The dance was deliberate, graceful and introverted at first. Nureyev moved as if he were balancing rare antique china on the top of his head. It provided a striking visual lesson, that dance is so much more than what one does with one's feet.

There were times when Nureyev's legs were fairly stationary; he seemed to be carried by the incredible nuances of movement in his upper torso. Nothing startling here: It was the kind of solo Louis has choreographed for himself. But the unity between concept and execution, and its rather modest ambitions made it a treat to watch. Nureyev was featured in a third dance on the program, Louis' "Moments." The dance was originally done in 1975, by Nureyev and members of the Scottish Ballet. It's interesting in that all of the dancers were men.

The dance was constructed with mathematical precision, yet the spirit was loose and relaxed. Nureyev didn't leap as much as he floated. The dancers alternated in showings of strength with elements of pure sensuality. An indication of how formidable the Louis company is at this point was "Schubert," which premiered in October in Washington. Even without Nureyev, this piece nearly stole the show.

Despite the fact that it was a little too long, it was full of color, vibrancy and sustained energy. Michael Ballard was especially noteworthy, dancing with swift, staccato movements that had just the right balance of toughness and airiness. Nureyev with the Murray Louis Dance Company runs through Sunday. TONIGHT "Scouting: Feminist or Tradition-Discussion of the purposes, goals, leadership and activities of the Suffolk County Girl Scouts, Explorers and Boy Scouts, a panel of representatives from the three groups will speak and answer questions, 7:45, Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library, Montauk Highway, Bay Shore. Art Lecture- of Modern Painting, II, 1905-1938," guest speaker William Miller formerly of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, topic, "Suprematism, Constructivism, and De Stijl," 8, Peninsula Library, 280 Central Lawrence; 239-3262.

Energy in the Home, Business and Future," sponsored by Dowling College, Montauk Highway, Oakdale; speaker R.C. Anderson of Brookhaven National Laboratory; free. Japanese Film Wagauta (The Song From My Heart)" a famous poet writes about love, ChengCheng Cultural Center, St. John's University, Grand Central and Utopia Parkways, Jamaica; 8:10, free, reservations necessary, call (212) 969-800, ext. 582.

"Hester -Part of special events film series; sponsored by Suffolk Community College, 7:30, Room 115, Islip Arts building, Selden campus; free, for more information, call 233-5252. (Complete movie listings on Pages 48A- 49A.) and more Piano Concert-Performed by pianist Denver Oldham, in a departure from traditional music programming, the presentation will combine classical, jazz and popular music styles; presented by the State Agriculture Technical College at Farmingdale as part of their College Union Board's Cultural Art Series; 8:30 PM, Route 110, Roosevelt Hall Little Theater, Route 110; 561-8033. Coffee House--The Flushing Local Coffee House will feature Bob Rodriguez, and a performance on the traditional and contemporary dulcimer guitar; 8 PM, 41-60 Kissena Flushing; donation for more information, call (212) 445-6918. Jazz Ensemble Concert performed as part of the Dowling College Spring Music Festival; 8 PM, Campus Performing Arts Center, Montauk Highway, Oakdale; for ticket information, call 589- 6100, ext. 230.

Medieval and Renaissance MusicPerformance by the Tokyo String Quartet in a series, titled, "Classicals" presented by the State University at Stony Brook; 8, Campus Union Auditorium; $6, for more information, call 246-7756. aging Love Is Not Enough," examining how most middleaged Americans deal with the problem of caring for their aging parents; narrated by Hume Cronyn, 7:30, Ch.7. The Incredible Journey," nature special following the vast herds of caribou on a grueling, danger-filled 2,000 mile trip from the Yukon Territory to border of Canada and Alaska, Ch. 4 at 8 PM. (Complete TV listings on Page 52A.) Robins.