Outrageous is the name Classique Dance Company gave to its collaboration with the Keen Dance Theater, which was held at the National Cultural Centre last Saturday, but the show only managed to outrage the Classique fans audience, who had been expecting much more.
The show got off to a late start as there was some sort of confusion about seating. Ushers were heard fretting: “The theatre is contracted so seating is different. I don’t know why the organizers numbered the tickets.”
As the lights went out signaling the start of the show, Classique followers settled in to see the type of show they had begun to associate with the company – edgy, sexy, enigmatic and soulful in some instances. However, when the curtains ascended, a group of children, none older than 12, graced the stage. What a disappointing start! We all know that we only get one chance to make a first impression and with the first dance that impression was created. It set the tone for the entire night.
The children were encouraged by the audience who cheered them on as they portrayed the life of orphans and the hardships they endure. No one expected their piece to be fully coordinated and in sync but they did a commendable job.
The second dance was to “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” where the more mature dancers came to rock it, but sadly did not. A male dancer in 5” heels out-danced the females. The performance was out of sync and it lacked coordination.
The show went on with “Marry the Night” by Lady Gaga, known as the queen of outrageousness and the dancers portrayed this excellently, adding lighting effects. Gaga song was followed by the powerful Kelly Clarkson’s “What Doesn’t Kill You (Makes You Stronger)”. Here again, the dancers made a very good attempt.
Next was a carnival-type piece that somehow did not fit. A beautifully orchestrated contemporary piece titled “I am” by Classique members just brought things back on an even keel and it was well accepted as it set the mood right. The piece showcased the versatility of the dancers and their mastered professionalism.
After the “I am” tribute to Michael Jackson, dancers went on to another exemplary performance of Adele’s ‘”Don’t you remember”. This performance distinguished the group as the trend setter of Guyanese contemporary dance; the technique was great and so were the dancers.
After those two show-stopping performances Classique was on a roll; a roll to kill and they did it when three of their dancers came out and just mashed it up with a Kijana Lewis choreography of what appeared to be a jungle dance item. The crowd loved it and the performance seemed effortless by the guys.
The girls followed the guys with an Indian number titled “Ayo Re Maro Dholna” but this just sucked the mood of the show. The girls moved away from the rhythm of the hyped song and lacked the charisma that was required. However, they cannot be blamed, as it is the choreographers’ job to ensure that they are fully prepared before taking the stage.
Former beauty queen Meleesa Payne knows to dance but somehow she looked a bit reserved with her moves. However when her time came to shine, she did. She mastered the art of ballet to complete the dance the only thing was missing was her tutu.
After the customary break members of the Keen Dance Theater out of New York took to the stage in a bid to show Guyanese what they can do. With this being the inaugural performance by Keen in Guyana almost everyone in the audience held their breath.
The NCC was transformed into a church-like setting with the speakers pelting out tunes like “The Lord is my Shepherd” and Dorothy Moore’s “Misty Blue.”
The Keen Dance Theater brought out the classical side of the show with a passion. The expressions on their faces were brought to life with each dance. The moves of these dancers were almost flawless, well coordinated (something Classique should pay a bit more attention to), and absolutely precise.
The Keen Dance Theater seemed to have a great appreciation for Jazz and Acapella style music since most of their pieces were performed to these genres. It was obvious that they enjoyed dancing; the expressions made the moves seem effortless.
Not much can be said about Keen except that their performance was impeccable, well choreographed and absolutely loved by everyone in the audience.
Regretfully the show ended without a combination dance from the two dance companies. Only members of Keen were allowed a final bow.
