The Second Generation
The original innovators of modern dance, Graham, Weidman, Humphrey, Holm and others, inspired a new generation with skilled original techniques and individual points of view. The second generation has climbed the heights of creativity and accepted the challenges.
David Parsons is a strong part of this second generation group. He celebrated his 20th anniversary in a season at the Joyce Theater, January 8-20. Parsons, a leading performer with The Paul Taylor Dance Company, 1978-1987, for whom Taylor created “Arden Court,” “Last Look,” and Roses,” has himself created over 70 works of such diversity and for so many international groups, the original modern dance group, the big four, could not have envisioned the proliferation of contemporary dance through companies such as this.
The Parsons company of 10 dancers are among the most talented, attractive, energetic, youthful and versatile presented at the Joyce this season. His style, although diversified is overall elegant, with underlying humor, full of spontaneously-appearing jumps caught in split-second timing without interrupting the flow of the movement.
Even the rehearsals are unique…the group applauds one another, responds to direction easily and seems glad to be rehearsing. Parsons is easy-going during the meticulous repetitions, appreciative of the efforts of his cast.
Two programs celebrated the anniversary: Program A: “Nascimento” to the music of Brazilian, Milton Nascimento, was uninhibited but presented with tasteful abandonment; “Sleep Study,” is a remembrance of Busby Berkley’s early movie antics; “Closure” is a dance of groupings that reflect love and anger with affection. A tribute to jazz great Miles Davis, as “King of Blue” celebrated that artist’s unforgettable contribution to the jazz scene. “Caught” is a witty Parsons work, now a signature piece, with a male dancer caught in strobe-lit entrances and exits that make him appear to fly. Here, co-founder of the company in 1985, lighting director, Howell Binkley who has designed more than 60 pieces for the group, becomes part of the choreography. The work was invented more than 20 years ago, but continues to delight. “In the End,” ended program A as a highly-paced, 18-minute work of athletic pas de deuxs interlarded with ensemble sections.
Program B started off with “Bachiana” to Bach’s “Orchestral Suites” and “Air on a G String.” Dance pairs danced with the formality of the Baroque Era. “Union” inspired by an AIDS benefit at Lincoln Center consisted of legato movements and intermingling bodies to a score by John Corigliano. “Nascimento Novo” returned with music featuring the world-renowned percussionists of the composer’s band. It added new excitement to the music and irresistible rhythms for the dancers. “Brothers,” is a moving, Castor and Pollux-type work with two male dancers exploring their ambivalent but supportive relationship, set to the music of Igor Stravinsky. The choreography included Parsons and Daniel Ezralow contributions. “Shining Star,” ended program B as it moved into today’s youth culture that struts, slinks, sways and sets the feet tapping, making happiness throughout the house.
Parsons does many audience-building programs for its national and international 32-week tours. The company performs for children, students and communities, holds lecture-demonstrations, master classes, post-show discussions and distributes a Parsons Guide that describes the 8 fundamentals of dance: Centering, Gravity, Balance, Gesture, Rhythm, Movement in Space, Posture and Breathing.
While his dancers are each individual, newcomer since 2005, Malvina Sardou, Florida-born scholarship student at The Miami City Ballet School and alumna of the New World School of the Art High School is someone to watch.
For more information: www.parsonsdance.org.