Moonlight Sonata

“Out of view a soft New York accent says something, the meaning of which escapes the casual observer. but whatever is said certainly has an effect on the dancers. Slowly, they raise their heels up. The rising movement continues until each dancer’s feet are vertical. It looks effortless. Against logic and common sense the dancers are now standing on the ends of their toes. The effect is magical. For a moment they stay extended, balanced on those toes. In perfect equilibrium, defying gravity, transcendent. And then the instant is over as the dancers slowly re-descend gracefully to earth. Big grins breaks out.”
Jeremy Taylor, Hong Kong WINDOW

“In Moonlight Sonata choreographer Michael Mao gave us a ballet formalist in approach that actually served as an instrument to unveil strata of human emotions, not explicit, but deeply felt. It spoke volumes.”
Tom Borek, South China Morning Post

“Moonlight Sonata is an abstract work full of rushing, naturalistic movement that repeatedly surges forward and then retreats. Was Mao thinking of the ocean when he created this first movement?” His dancers are exceptionally musical and technically impressive, as much in the slower second movement as in the frenzied first section.”
Anne Levin, The Trenton Times

Presto-Adagio aka

Moonlight Sonata