Parsons Dance rolled into town last weekend after being away for 30 years. The company was founded in 1985 by artistic director and choreographer David Parsons. The advertising promised an athletic and energetic show, and that it was. The company is brimming with talent and excellent technique, and there was also a lot of stunt work in the program. I don't mind feats of amazement, but the choreography should be able to stand independently.
The program opened with a series of dances called Wolfgang, and the choreography by David Parsons had the most classical ballet influence. The ensemble consisted of nine dancers for this performance, and everyone appeared in Wolfgang. I did not find it very impressive as an opener. It was a ballet to some of Mozart's greatest hits, but it did not have the elegance and grace of traditional ballet. This also pulled in the smoke portion of the program. I wonder if every dance company owns a fog machine, or do they rent it when they come to town? It's getting tired, and I think that the choreography and music alone can add an aura of mystery.
Balance of Power was Parsons Dance's second offering. The music was composed by percussionist Giancarlo De Trizio, and this is when Parsons Dance showed some great chops. It was modern dance at its finest. The syncopated movements to De Trizio's drumming were fun to watch. The ensemble had the rhythm down and looked to be enjoying themselves on the stage. The combination of pop locking and vogueing felt fresh and fun.
The dance before intermission was titled Nascimento and featured a score written by Milton Nascimento exclusively for Parsons Dance and Festival in the Sun director A. Alexandra Jupin. It was performed at the festival's premiere in 1990, featuring a three-day appearance by Parsons Dance. Nascimento's samba-flavored music gave new colors to the choreography. The music for dance performances can rouse the emotions as much as the flow of the dancers.
After the intermission, Juke was performed. Jamar Roberts choreographed this dance and was the only choreographer featured in the program besides David Parsons. The music was "Spanish Key" from Miles Davis' masterpiece, Bitches Brew. That album and music is a vibe unto itself, and Parsons Dance hit all of the right notes in their movement. The lighting by Christopher Chambers added to the mysterious nature of Juke.
Caught was a solo dance featuring company member Zoey Anderson. This is where the smoke and mirrors stole the spotlight. Anderson is a gifted dancer with an athlete's body. The music was from "Let the Power Fall" by Robert Fripp. Caught was more about visual effects than the dancing itself. Howell Binkley's lighting design features extended strobes coordinated with Anderson's moves. I found it uncomfortable and had to shield some of the strobe effect with my program book. It is also an example of stunts that get the audience revved up more than the choreography. Anderson appeared to float midair in several positions, never hitting the ground.
My experience covering dance has been that audiences have come to expect endurance displays and to be dazzled. I do not blame the companies for giving the audience what they want, but it strays from the art of choreography. It is impressive to pirouette beyond what seems usually possible. The audiences love it, and the more pirouettes, the more screams of delight. I am not a stuffed shirt about cool moves, but it becomes like the ubiquitous fog machine when they are more acrobats than contemporary dancers.
The finale was Shining Star, a tribute to the Chicago supergroup Earth, Wind, and Fire. Songs from their breakout album, That's the Way of the World, tug at my heart. The choreography was soulful and sinuous like the songs written by the late Maurice White. That album came out in 1975; everyone seemed to feel that groove. Parsons Dance was definitely in a groove for the finale. It didn't erase my disappointment with the smoke, mirrors, and stunt moves, but it did leave on a high note. Dance like the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire can feel metaphysical or otherworldly. Parsons Dance achieved that for most of their April 12 performance. Hopefully, it won't be another 30 years, and I recommend catching a performance if you can.
Parsons Dance performed on April 12 at the Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive.
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