Upstairs is a frenzy of activity, a feeling I miss since not having performed in awhile, that pre-show anticipation.  Girls and guys going over choreography, putting on their make-up, ironing costume pieces…. It’s no wonder we love this business!   I feel the excitement and energy racing through my bones. Although there are several companies that I had the privilege of watching, what I believe to BE the most fun piece of the night is Candice Michelle Franklin’s JAZZ AIN’T DEAD.

Jazz Ain’t Dead brings DNA alive with its brand new fiery orchestrations of Porgy and Bess songs…Jazz standards with a house beat and funky atmosphere.  Opened by M.C. Michael Forde, a chicly dressed hype man complete with fedora and booming voice, the piece teaches us a little about the history of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and the significance it has had on not only African Americans, but jazz music, and the profile of the America that we are today.

Downstage of the live jazz band and vivacious lady singer, Kenyetta Coffee, golden-clad dancers are on and off the stage like wack-a-mole heads… one minute you see them, the next you don’t!  Franklin creates an intricate web of action that leaves you screaming out things like “She better work!!” or “GET ITTTT!!!”  Fierce legs, gorgeous turns, hot unison sections, wild hair, and sexy partnering all took their place in the “circus” that Franklin calls it with a laugh.  Not to mention the entourage of audience members who make their support warmly felt throughout the performance!

I also really appreciate the freedom Franklin gives her dancers to show off their  “tricks” without shame!  So often in the concert world, we get so stuck on our stuffy definitions of artistry that we shun elements that are truly difficult and can be so much fun to watch.  Franklin claims that she wants to emulate the feeling of Jazz music and the way the genre is performed in the tradition of its musicians in live performance… when the musicians are allowed to “do their thang”, why shouldn’t the dancers!!?  Amen!

The end of the piece brings the entire house down to standing ovation as DJ NYCK Henry spins for the curtain call while the band gets to jam and the hype man conjures more applause from the audience, leading into the ending choreography with the whole ensemble in a wild exciting frenzy!  Kudos JAZZ AIN”T DEAD.  It certainly isn’t!

Photography by Crystal J. Wilson

iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by Sheena DiMatteo
Performance:  Jazz Ain’t Dead, Celebrates the Legacy of Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess 2010 APAP Showcase
Venue: Dance New Amsterdam, NYC 
Choreographer: Candice Michelle Franklin
Show Date: January 10, 2010
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Dancers:  Jerome Melsaun Warren, Chelsea Arce, Anthony DeCarlis, Shakirah Stewart, Caroline Banks, JoiLynn, Demar Braxton, Careitha Davis, Youthen Joseph

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