Complexions Dancers Shine
CHARLESTON CONCERT ASSOCIATION presented the second dance offering of their season on Saturday night at the Gaillard with the dynamic Complexions Contemporary Ballet, perhaps in a bold effort to appeal to a younger audience. However, a less than half full theatre was an unfortunate reminder of how hard it is to get people to the theatre for dance.
Complexions is a company which was formed in 1994 when two of Alvin Ailey’s brightest stars, Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, broke off to begin their own company. Its mission was to push the boundaries of what dance can be and how movement can blend many styles and cultures reflecting the world around us. Primarily, the company is known for its dancers who are awe inspiring to watch with technical training that rivals any company in the world, as well as being a beautiful group representing many ethnic backgrounds.
In the opening 25-minute work titled Mercy, the 14 dancers examined the theme of faith accompanied by a collection of various chants, hymns, and spirituals representing an array of religions. A central figure danced by the brilliant Gary W. Jeter was at times a Christ figure, at others the antagonist, and others an evangelist; his theatrical gestures, jumps, and perfect lines immediately showed him as a standout. The company displayed explosive intensity here with convulsive jerks, angular shapes, and spit fire leaps driven by the pounding collage of music.
But this is where it became clear that what is secondary for the company is choreography, and by the end of this impressive blast off, I wondered if the dance had gotten anywhere, like a race car that revs its engine and doesn’t get to the finish line. The repetitive sequences were full of super high extensions and speedy turns which all happened so quickly that it was difficult to enjoy any one moment. Various costume changes and props came and went without any major rhyme or reason.
The second portion of the evening was lighter fare with four duets to very different music selections, with a high point being two male dancers dancing to one of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and another to Broadway show tunes. Here, the dancers pleased the crowd with their skill and personality and there was something for everyone to enjoy. This is a company where the men really carry the company, and it is refreshing to see.
Finally Rise was a celebration of U2 songs with the full company in bright and sexy costumes to the high powered tunes. This was where the dancer’s raw and relentless energy worked to its advantage, showing the pure love of movement and the fun and life affirming way physical expression can transport the viewer into another place.
Complexions is passionate about what they do and at the end, many were brought to their feet to show appreciation for this exhilarating display of the human spirit.
