BWW Reviews: PARSONS DANCE Electrifies Audiences at The Joyce

Parsons Dance is now at the Joyce to the complete delight of metropolitan area audiences. The company will be on stage through February 1st. The vibrant choreographies that compliment this extraordinarily talented troupe make every moment of their performance a true extravaganza.

See Parsons Dance perform, and see them again. There are several programs to enjoy this season that includes premieres and favorites. This is modern dance at its best, contemporary choreographies laced with graceful athleticism.

We attended Parsons Dance on Thursday, 1/22 for their Program A. The dancers were Abby Silva Gavezzoli, Sarah Braverman, Christina Ilisue, Ian Spring, Elena D'Amario, Jason MacDonald, Omar Roman De Jesus, Geena Pacareu and Eoghan Dillon.

The show opened with Bachiana choreographed by David Parsons. Eight of Parsons' troupe set the pace for an evening of sheer excellence. Bachiana showcases some of the finest elements of the Parsons Dance technique. It is a vibrant piece with charming, playful duets.

The evening continued with Hymn choreographed by Trey McIntryre, Train choreographed by Robert Battle, the World Premiere of Within choreographed by Natalie LaMonte, Caught, choreographed by David Parsons and finished with Whirlaway also choreographed by David Parsons.

Caught was a stunning piece performed by Ian Spring, and has been a favorite of Parsons audiences. With lighting design by Howell Binkley, Spring performed a series of impressive dance moves accented by strobe lights resulting in freeze frame views.

Whirlaway was a fitting finale. With thrilling choreography by David Parsons, the dance featured all members of the troupe in an exciting, festive piece. The musical selections for the piece that includes "Southern Nights," "Yes We Can Can" and "Whirlaway" make this piece particularly diverse and enjoyable.

To say there was a highlight of the evening would be difficult. We love the passion of Parsons dancers. They flawlessly dance a range of pieces that can be alternatively beautiful, soulful and spirited yet always dynamic.

Parsons Dance is an internationally renowned contemporary dance company under the artistic direction of dancer/choreographer David Parsons. Parsons Dance is committed to building new audiences for contemporary dance by creating American works of extraordinary artistry that are both engaging and uplifting to audiences throughout the world. Parsons Dance tours nationally and internationally, including an annual season in its home community of New York City. Parsons Dance includes eight full-time dancers and maintains a repertory of more than 70 works choreographed by David Parsons. Since 1985, Parsons Dance has toured more than 350 cities, 35 countries, five continents and millions of audience members. Many more have seen Parsons Dance on PBS, Bravo, A&E Network and the Discovery Channel.

Tickets, priced from $10-$59 ($26-$44 for Joyce members), can be purchased by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800 or online at www.joyce.org. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19th Street.

Photo Credit: Lois Greenfield

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