The Triangle

Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Parsons Dance Company

In the modern dance world, many companies are formed, but few are exceptional. Over the years, modern dance companies have come and gone. In the current world of dance, Parsons Dance Company makes an intense impact on audiences, dancers, and critics alike. On Oct. 16 at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the City of Philadelphia was privileged to experience the theatrical choreography of David Parsons' "The Dancemaker."

Under the direction of Parsons, the recognized Parsons Dance Company has defined movement in the 21st-century. Parsons put on a show with his eclectic and glorious choreography. The musical score for the production encompassed the genres of jazz, techno, and Latino inspired tones. For dancers, music can be a vital organ in the body of dance differentiating between an "in the moment performance" or a dance by numbers. The program showcased six original pieces: "Swing Shift," "Ebben," "Nascimento Novo," "My Sweet Lord," "Caught," and "Nascimento." Each piece told a story, which was translated through the punctuated movements of each dancer.

As the curtain rose, four couples took the stage to begin the opening act, "Swing Sift." The beauty of this number is that it reflects life's continual journey while exploring each human's search for internal self. Each musical beat was given a specific motion or breath - Parsons never let a note go to waste. The energetic and explosive dancers worked the stage with jazzy accents, while telling a picturesque story.

Parsons teased the audience with a preview into the 2008 season, exhibiting "Ebben," the newest piece featuring music by Alfredo Catalani from the opera "La Wally."

The two dancers performing the piece played off each other's steps. Longing for the love of her companion, the dancer trembled on the ground. Her movements were organic and unconstrained, giving the illusion of an out-of-body experience. Finally realizing they are meant for each other, the performers embraced, signifying their everlasting bond.

For many years, Parsons collaborated with Brazilian composer Milton Nascimento to create exotic music to accompany his brilliant choreography. This partnership birthed the popular "Nascimento Novo," dealing with themes of sensuality and community. The choreography was infused with Afro-modern steps as well as Latino-inspired turns and infectious hip shakes.

Originally choreographed for the American Ballet Theater, "My Sweet Lord" was designed for seven dancers. The piece is a spiritual quest giving tribute to George Harrison. The fun-loving, dynamic company works the floor giving off the essence of the seventies. Because of its abundant success at ABT, Parsons decided to add it to his own show in 2004.

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