Dance Review: Jazz Ain't Dead Rips APAP 2010 Showcase

On Sunday, January 10, 2010, I head downtown on the 1 train to Dance New Amsterdam, as they host a slew of cutting edge New York City dance companies in the 2010 APAP Showcase!  Not gonna lie... Dance New Amsterdam’s address is very confusing, and I find myself walking around aimlessly wishing for an iPHONE or some other sort of gadget that will lead me straight to the doorstep of DNA.  Instead, I curse at my Zack Morris-esque Verizon cell phone.  However, a quick phone-call and slice of pizza later, I am being greeted by the front desk of DNA, aka two chicks in snuggies.

Upstairs is a frenzy of activity, a feeling I miss since not having performed in awhile, that pre-show anticipation.  Girls and guys going over choreography, putting on their make-up, ironing costume pieces…. It’s no wonder we love this business!   I feel the excitement and energy racing through my bones. Although there are several companies that I had the privilege of watching, what I believe to BE the most fun piece of the night is Candice Michelle Franklin’s JAZZ AIN’T DEAD.

Jazz Ain’t Dead brings DNA alive with its brand new fiery orchestrations of Porgy and Bess songs…Jazz standards with a house beat and funky atmosphere.  Opened by M.C. Michael Forde, a chicly dressed hype man complete with fedora and booming voice, the piece teaches us a little about the history of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and the significance it has had on not only African Americans, but jazz music, and the profile of the America that we are today.

Downstage of the live jazz band and vivacious lady singer, Kenyetta Coffee, golden-clad dancers are on and off the stage like wack-a-mole heads… one minute you see them, the next you don’t!  Franklin creates an intricate web of action that leaves you screaming out things like “She better work!!” or “GET ITTTT!!!”  Fierce legs, gorgeous turns, hot unison sections, wild hair, and sexy partnering all took their place in the “circus” that Franklin calls it with a laugh.  Not to mention the entourage of audience members who make their support warmly felt throughout the performance!

 

 

 

I also really appreciate the freedom Franklin gives her dancers to show off their  “tricks” without shame!  So often in the concert world, we get so stuck on our stuffy definitions of artistry that we shun elements that are truly difficult and can be so much fun to watch.  Franklin claims that she wants to emulate the feeling of Jazz music and the way the genre is performed in the tradition of its musicians in live performance… when the musicians are allowed to “do their thang”, why shouldn’t the dancers!!?  Amen!

The end of the piece brings the entire house down to standing ovation as DJ NYCK Henry spins for the curtain call while the band gets to jam and the hype man conjures more applause from the audience, leading into the ending choreography with the whole ensemble in a wild exciting frenzy!  Kudos JAZZ AIN”T DEAD.  It certainly isn’t!

Photography by Crystal J. Wilson

iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by Sheena DiMatteo
Performance:  Jazz Ain't Dead, Celebrates the Legacy of Gershwin's Porgy & Bess 2010 APAP Showcase
Venue: Dance New Amsterdam, NYC 
Choreographer: Candice Michelle Franklin
Show Date: January 10, 2010
www.iDANZ.com

Band Members:  Mansa Gory (Trombone), Teodross Avery (Tenor Saxophone), Jimmy Lopez (Congas), Travis Antoine (Trumpet), Gabriel Jennings (Djembe), Chad Giles (Soprano Sax), Kenyetta Coffee (Vocalist), Billy Davis (Vocalist)

Dancers: 
Jerome Melsaun Warren
Chelsea Arce
Anthony DeCarlis
Caroline Banks
Demar Braxton
Careitha Davis
JoiLynn
Youthen Joseph
Shakirah Stewart

---

iDANZ Supports Doctors Without Borders
in their Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts.

 MSF/Doctors Without Borders has been working in Haiti for 19 years, most recently operating three emergency hospitals in Port-au-Prince, and is mobilizing a large emergency
response to the Haiti/earthquake disaster. 
Can you please help them provide medicine, surgeons, nurses,
and supplies to victims in this crisis?
Click Here to Send a Direct Donation to Doctors Without Borders

For every new person who signs-up to be a member of the iDANZ Social Network, iDANZ will donate $1 to
Doctors Without Borders January 18 - 31.
Go to www.iDANZ.com To help save lives by 
Becoming a Member of iDANZ Today! 

Have You Seen the iDANZ Social Network?

Click Here To Become a Member
of iDANZ.com Today!

The More Members We Have, The More We Can
Make a Difference.
It’s Free!
iDANZ – The Social Network Where Dancers Live!