This Saturday Parsons Dance performed at the Joyce Theater at a family friendly matinee. This was a two hour long performance that many children felt was too long. The company performed “Nascimento Novo” which was originally choreographed by David Parsons in 2006. This piece is full of pelvic oscillations and predictable running patterns, all to the rhythms of the Brazilian musician Milton Nascimento. In the dance, there are various sections of improvisation and friendly competition between the dancers. The next piece performed in this concert was the “Hand Dane.” This piece was strikingly different than many other traditional dancers. It included a completely dark stage with special lighting that highlighted the arms and hands of five dancers. The dancers created many abstract configurations through mimed movement. This piece was followed by one of the company’s signature pieces “Caught.” It is a strobe-lite dance that requires energy and vigor and leaves the audience in amazement. The company is very entertaining but David Parson doesn’t create choreography that builds the mood. Instead he uses repetition of movement and music which grow boring after a while. The next piece was “Ebben,” which was performed by one of George Mason’s own alumni Billy Smith. He graduated in 2007 with a BFA from the Dance department. He poured his heart out on stage as he circled another member of the company, Sarah Braverman as she held a series of ballectic positions. Due to Mr. Parson’s choreographic style it is difficult to see beyond the technique of these dancers. They are fascinating to watch, but it leaves the question of rather or not these dancers can be considered artist?
La Rocco, Claudia. "Romping Couples, Brazilian Rhythms and Strobe-Light Suspension." Rev. of Parsons Dance Company. New York TImes 7 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Feb. 2010.
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