By Ernest Kearney — The BLUE13 Dance Company according to Paul Crewes, the Artistic Director of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, is reimagining “the classical forms from India, with an American contemporary aesthetic.”
And that is true enough.
The result is a rather gorgeous goulash of Bollywood high-stepping, with a heaping tablespoon of hip-hop for sharpness, slightly dulcified by a pinch or so of ballet and a generous portion of theatricality to ensure the visual succulence of the entrée served. It is a toothsome treat that is set before the audience, but like “haute-cuisine” in general, one leaves the table feeling less than sated.
Yes, the BLUE13 Dance Company’s staging is exceedingly well presented. The ambiance is crafted and meticulous, and that a lot of talent is involved in the undertaking is undeniable.
However, overall, it would have benefited from less “haute” and more Phaal.
The company, under Director and Choreographer Achinta S. McDaniel, shows itself to be a skilled and dynamic troupe of young dancers.
The energy and zeal is there, reflecting the natural qualities inherent in the youthfulness of the troupe, but then so are the shortcomings associated with youth; foibles which perhaps McDaniel is either enamored of or is possibly too close to the trees to observe them lurking within the forest.
Conceivably due to the company’s eagerness to bowl over their audience, the presentation is overlong. This would be a negligible blemish except for the fact that it is exacerbated by repetition within the routines. That counterproductive exuberance is one of those shortcomings I mentioned.
There’s a reason the old theatrical saw “Always leave them wanting more,” has been around long enough to qualify as an “old theatrical saw.”
In the program notes Blue13 is described as a “fiery confluence.”
Unfortunately I didn’t see it, and though it was a talented group of dancers, I felt I was not viewing a company but a classroom.
What was lacking, and was greatly needed, was spice.
One of my favorite terms from the realm of flamenco is “coraje.”
Courage.
It applies to a way of performing that is infused with a certain daring or impetuosity.
Both the artistic demarcation and the talent of McDaniel’s company displays the promise of “coraje,” but what was presented on the stage at the Annenberg, was at best, pretty.
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Blue13 Dance Company
Terpsichore in Ghungroos and Contemporary/Bollywood Works
Played
Feb 21 – Feb 22 | 07:30 PM
BRAM GOLDSMITH THEATER
Artistic Director: Achinta S. McDaniel
Associate Director: Jon Paul
Choreography: Achinta S. McDaniel
