“To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.” – Old Hopi Indian adage.
Performers in Dance Legends gave the audience that privilege on opening night.
Their passion, grace and talent bespoke the mystery of communication from soul to body through movement. Dance Legends: A Salute to Movers and Shakers affirms, reNews and awakens a respect for dance, while providing a captivating spectacle.
An original production conceived, written and directed by Drayton Entertainment’s Alex Mustakas, the show pays tribute to legendary dancers and choreographers of then and nearly now. The dances are presented simply and convey much without a variety show platform as used in previous Legends productions.
In fact there are no words spoken, only song. Projected images and names are shown on stage to clarify the action. The great variety of dance disciplines and eras transitions smoothly. Those disciplines are tap, jazz, ballroom, ballet, hip hop and more.
Included in the show are the dance greats who have left their impression on modern culture, such as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse and duos the Nicholas Brothers and Alan and Blanche Lund.
Although that era of dance appeals more to the older crowd as nostalgic, young and old alike enjoyed dances from more modern movie musicals such as Flashdance and Saturday Night Fever. A great segment on Michael Jackson includes the exciting Thriller. Broadway hits the same stage in sequences from Oklahoma, Chicago and West Side Story.
Another lovely surprise is a pas de deux inspired by ballet icons Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev.
Sixteen of the finest dancers Canada has to offer bring splendour to the production. Jacques Monfiston taps playfully in I Got Rhythm, Bethany Kovarik shows her sultry style in House of the Rising Sun, Austin Di Iulio draws gasps with his athleticism, Noah Long formerly of the National Ballet, is one of the deux, Lydia Bouchard is the lovely other.
Carla Bennet and Ayanna Sealey convey much in expression and grace, while Drayton Entertainment veterans Kimberley O’Neill and Stephen Cota bring life to Bouncin’ the Blues.
Robin Hutton and Yvan Pedneault are also singers who accompany many of the dances. The versatility in voice is remarkable as well. Hutton sounds beautiful and her charm shines through, whether in Somewhere or Begin the Beguine. Pedneault does much justice to Singin’ in the Rain and even produces a surprising falsetto in the Saturday Night Fever segment.
A host of choreographers project their knowledge and specific genre expertise onto the dancers. Lead choreographer is Gino Berti.
Also getting a real workout is the unseen except for the TV screen band under the direction of Michael Lerner. Each era is exemplified with such a variety of instrumentation and sound the audience would think there are 200 musicians under the stage.
Costume Coordinators Nicole Del Cul and Jenine Kroeplin quite literally had their work cut out for them with the wide variety of eras and genres. The outfits are wonderful and show off the dancers’ bodies, as acquired through their hard work.
Apparently Socrates took up dance in his latter years as that was what he felt was missing from his life. So there is hope yet for the rest of us.
Dance Legends plays eight shows a week until July 2. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866. For more about the 2011 season visit draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
