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Synchrony of steps
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`Climax' by John Britto's Dance Company saw the coming together of various dance styles
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SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Kids showcasing their skills PHOTO: R. SHIVAJI RAO
It was a little like watching a performance from an MTC bus during rush hour. By the time `Climax', by John Britto's Dance Company, began, the Don Bosco auditorium was so packed you practically had to salsa to your seat, passionately sticking to random strangers en route since there was no space in the aisles, which were jam-packed with chaotically arranged plastic chairs.
The show, which seemed to be designed as a tribute to all the dancers — national and international — who had danced with, or influenced the company, included a potpourri of styles, from the customary Latin American dances and contemporary Hip Hop to more unusual dance forms, like a China-inspired performance involving Tai-Chi and a Broadway-inspired number.
Evidently, a lot of hard work went into the presentation. Every dance was accompanied by an explanation of the history and origin of the dance form, and the team had clearly been through gruelling, and meticulous, rehearsals.
The opening performance, for instance, fused Tai Chi and Chinese martial arts, showcasing slow synchronised movements and some admirable acrobatics. However, the costumes here, and in a number of the following performances, were disappointingly predictable: Chinese dancers with what looked like chopsticks in their hair, unflattering Star Trek costumes for the futuristic numbers and unsurprising red gowns, worn rather haphazardly over body suits, for the Salsa number. There were, on the other hand, some exceptions, notably the deliciously outrageous Carnival-style outfits accompanied by huge peacock feather headpieces for the Brazilian Samba.
Some highlights of the evening were a sultry Tango by the troupe's stars, Nanda and Aparna, a vigorous Lambada with gasp-worthy lifts and some dramatic stiletto pointing, and an impressive performance that fluidly fused Kalari and Silambam.
And, of course, a closing performance by Vasundhara Das, who managed to inject a good amount of energy into the evening by obliging the audience and singing the popular `Kajra Re' number.
Although the evening had been carefully put together to showcase the variety of dance forms that the school teaches, it did tend to drag its feet in large sections. While this was mainly because it went on for what seemed like an interminable three-and-a-half hours, it was also because the organisers used every pause between dances to advertise sponsors, indulge in pointless banter with unsuspecting celebrity attendees who were dragged on to the stage and launch into, admittedly sweet and thoughtful, but mind-numbingly long thank you speeches: All of which slowed down the tempo of the performance, and sapped audience energy.
The dancers, however, were enthusiastic till the end, even coming into the crowd in between, to pep them up, by dancing in the shrunken aisles, and bouncing on the few empty chairs. The academy's students, by the way, gave the professional team a run for its money, with their peppy performances. And, the children, especially a diminutive gang that wriggled and swung to the number from `Neal `n' Nikki,' were irresistible, even the little boy who stood stock-still centre stage and scratched his nose thoughtfully all through the cheery number.
SHONALI MUTHALALY
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