Described as a “rock-dance opera” with lead vocalists and music from the East Village Opera Company,

The lead dancers of the show are Abby Silva Gavezzoli, as the beautiful and desired protagonist, Zac Hammer, as her handsome and sweet lover, and Miguel Quinnones, as the scorned antagonist struggling to get Gavezzoli for himself.  This fantastic trio is very well cast.  Everyone in the Parsons Dance Company are strong movers with a great understanding of musicality and staging, and the lead performers handsomely stand-out and shine.

Audiences are wowed by layers of lighting, both on the dancers as well as the projections behind them.  I really like how Parsons uses video footage by sometimes projecting what’s happening on the stage behind the dancers, then sometimes, a mirrored image, and at other times, an image so slowed-down to the extreme it becomes very artistic.  The creative use of lighting helps to change the landscape of The Joyce Theater and move the storyline forward.

Every time I see Parsons’ work I think how much I want him to choreograph the next movie musical.  His choreography seems to fit with musical theater, and I could almost picture his dancers singing along to the movement. Parsons describes this style of choreography as “corn-ography.”  He makes excellent use of his dancers abilities, which, much to our delight, gives way for the audience to see individuality in the dancers’ movement. 

Quinnones has a musculature that feeds his urban style of movement, making him the perfect one for his part as the rejected choice for the beautiful woman that everyone wants.  He exudes frustration and embarrassment in his solo that features him rolling in an arched and vulnerable position on the floor next to the feet of singer Tyley Ross.  I am very wowed by Gavezzoli’s principle dancer technique and expressiveness.  She moves with ease through advanced partnering lifts and confidently dances solo when all eyes are on her.

I’m a huge fan of the way every dancer in Parsons Dance Company attacks each step with the kind of passion and virtuosity that would make me want to hire them if I saw them in an audition or class.  Audiences will see signature moves that Parsons loves to throw in, especially one in which the dancers would lift their arms from their elbows creating a boxed frame around them that instantly catches the eye.

Parsons Dance lovers will never be disappointed when they see his works since the company always delivers with consistency energetic, inspired performances.  During the post performance talk with Parsons, one of the audience members comments that she has never before felt all of her senses engaged the way she has tonight.  Parsons says that he loves physicality and roller coasters of emotion.

To learn more about Parsons Dance and upcoming shows, visit www.parsonsdance.org. 

iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by
Jessica Shahinian
Performance:  “Remember Me”
Parsons Dance Company
Choreography:  David Parsons
Venue:  The Joyce Theater
Show Date: February 3, 2010
www.iDANZ.com

iDANZ Supports Doctors Without Borders
in their Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts.

MSF/Doctors Without Borders has been working in Haiti for 19 years, most recently operating three emergency hospitals in Port-au-Prince, and is mobilizing a large emergency response to the Haiti/earthquake disaster.

Can you please help them provide medicine, surgeons, nurses,
and supplies to victims in this crisis?
Click Here to Send a Direct Donation to Doctors Without Borders

The iDANZ Commitment
For every new person
who signs-up to be a member of the
iDANZ Social Network, iDANZ will donate $1 to
Doctors Without Borders January 18 – March 1.
Go to www.iDANZ.com To help save lives by 
Becoming a Member of iDANZ Today!

Have You Seen the iDANZ Social Network?

Click Here To Become a Member
of iDANZ.com Today!

The More Members We Have, The More We Can
Make a Difference.
It’s Free!
iDANZ – The Social Network Where Dancers Live!

Share on Facebook