So, You Think You Can Dance (like this)?
By: Trish Vignola Jan. 07, 2011
While you were watching Live to Dance, So You Think You Can Dance or any of the innocuous Dance shows on television today, you missed the real thing in your own backyard. Gotham Arts Exchange presented their Emerging Artists Showcase at the Dance Theater Workshop January 5th through the 6th. The evening consisted of a shared showcase of developing choreographers presenting their new compositions. Featuring the works of New York's own Adam Barruch as well as John Mark Owen and Jessica Gaynor, the Emerging Artists Showcase ranged from modern dance accompanied by synth beats to classic ballet performed to sacred motets.
The showcase's pacing was fantastic. The tech was spotless which allowed one's palate to be cleaned and prepped for the next choreographer quickly. As a Stage Manager and Lighting Supervisor, I always give credit where it's due. Lynda Erbs' (Stage Manager) and Burke Wilmore's (Lighting Supervisor) work should not be unsung. They did an admirable job directing the audience's focus from one choreographer to another.
Artistically, it was an interesting night at best. The works ranged from thoroughly entertaining to sloppy. There were several moments where I was more concerned with the safety of the dancers on their lifts than the dance itself. The standout of the night by far was the work of Adam Barruch. Raised on the Broadway stage and a graduate of LaGuardia High School, Barruch is a choreographer that New Yorkers should be on the look out for. Part Fosse, part Hip Hop with a bit of those Hand Dancers from the McDonald's Commercials (you totally know who I'm talking about), Barruch's work was exciting, thoughtful and told a clear story.
Oh! If you get a chance, check out Barruch's one-man homage to Sweeney Todd, which he performed as a part of the showcase as well. Who knew Angela Lansbury could look so cool? (Not that I ever doubted the coolness of Ms. Lansbury, so stop your writing campaign now.)
If I guilted you sufficiently for not getting out there to see enough dance not judged by an ex-Laker Girl or a Pussy Cat Doll, then I did my job. If you did miss the Emerging Artists Showcase (which I know you did), then you're in luck. The Gotham Arts concert, Stam-Pede, is coming up January 9th with their Gotham Dance Festival following this June at the Joyce. Check out this as well as additional Gotham programing at www.Gothamarts.org.
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