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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The 28th Annual Downtown Dance Festival is presented by the Battery Dance Company, in addition to a generous package of sponsors, offering a free show and opportunities for companies of the city to strut their stuff.  Although the festival highlights 13 companies, on Sunday, August 23, I had the pleasure of witnessing only three of these, the Rebecca Kelly Ballet, Figures in Flight Dance Company, and the Chase Brock Experience.

Figures in Flight Dance Company, a young performers dance group, performs three consecutive pieces in the style of contemporary modern dance – War/Peace On Earth, Unexpected Moments, and Stranger in Moscow.  Director Susan Slotnick brags of her students’ ability to pull off modern pieces conceptualized for adults, despite being no older than your average Hannah Montana fan.  The preteens impress me with their ability to focus on such serious subject matter- they seem truly eager to present the work- but the pretentiousness of the work is a little off-putting on such fresh little youngsters.  With technique class and age, they may actually grow into the work they present.

I must applaud the daughter of Slotnick, whose choreographic debut is shown, using eye-catching, colorful umbrellas that pop to Michael Jackson’s haunting vocals. Also, Slotnick’s intention for the company – to promote peace in schools and youth, is commendable, as she offers to let the kids perform for schools via assemblies . If only the style and tone were a touch more relatable, the message might shine brighter, remembering that kids these days are busy texting and usually just waiting for the next bell to ring.

Dancers: Tara Abularrage, Liam Appelson, Ruby Bard, Lizzie Clarke, Jane Cole, Sophia Ender, Claire Factor, Madeline Freidman, Lakota Karl-Krupp, Cali Kircher, Cassidy Kristal-Cohen, Kayla Ludwig, Ryan Ludwig, Maya McClatchy, Gwen Nahnsen, Lucia O’Corozine, Sophie Rust, Isabella Vitti, River Wasser, Molly Rust Ayako Shapiro, Sophia Ender, Elianah Slotnick

The Rebecca Kelly Ballet presents a lovely duo featuring two of the dancers, Sean Scantlebury and Robin Cantrell, who are seen several times as part of the Battery Dance Company.  The tiny Cantrell, with her sleek lines, Ivory soap skin and pixie haircut, contrasts well with the tall, dark musculature of Scantlebury.  Kelly’s choreography, infused with beautiful lifts pasted against blue skies and leafy greens, is a true vision to be seen.

The final company I experienced, and I do say experience… is the Chase Brock… Experience.  Brock’s website calls himself out on the arrogance of calling his company an "experience," but I must confirm that he knows how to hit the dance out of the park and is totally credible in his claims. Brock’s first piece, Curious Episode, shoots a breath of fresh air over the audience as Assistant Artistic Director, Ashley Eichbauer, and company member, Erica Furst, frolic about the stage in a playful duo, their quirky personalities competing with their not overly forceful display of technique for a splendid "encounter".

Brock’s Seeing Stars leaves pretentious at the door as all six dancers stumble about onstage, drunkenly leaning on each other, smiling those embarrassingly carefree smiles, and once again, breathing a playful energy over the crowd.  Brock basically slams home the point that serious attitudes don’t necessarily define serious art.  In essence, the silly joy of flying through space and capturing an audience (while maintaining beautiful technique and apparent training) IS essentially a "serious" art.

CBE saves its best for last with a Laura Nyro tribute, Slow Float. The absolutely gorgeous 70s-styled late Nyro gives us an acquired taste of jazz mixed with slow blues, gospel, show tunes, and rock.  Brock showcases her music beautifully by costuming the ladies in Bohemian style sundresses – hair flowing in the wind and the guys looking casual… eventually shirtless.  The backdrop of sun, clouds, and flourishing trees only add bonus points to what is already a hit. The movement is human, hitting on emotions rather than shoving technique to the forefront… despite the technique being evident.  As I watch,  I overhear an elderly man in the audience admitting that the piece brings tears to his eyes.  Brock is the perfect blend of professionalism and relate-ability.  Dancers Kendrick D. Carter, Nathan Duszny, Ashley Eichbauer, Erica Furst, Neil O’Brien, Emily Oldak, Connor Kilian Weigand, and Micki Weiner brings the piece to life in a series of different songs, each showcasing different dancers and various personalities.  Kudos!

The Downtown Dance Festival is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening.  Hopefully, the festival will be back next year with even more greatly appreciated contributions from its sponsors and growing community participation. Thank you to the Battery Dance Company for this great opportunity to share and witness our favorite art in some beautiful nature.

Photography of Rebecca Kelly Ballet by Todd Bisonette

iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by  Sheena DiMatteo
Performance:  Downtown Dance Festival, NYC 
Choreographers: Susan Slotnick, Elianah Slotnick, Rebecca Kelly, Chase Brock
Performance Date:  August 23, 2009, 1-4 PM
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