Dance: Parsons Dance Company @ the Joyce
Parsons Dance Company has been performing around the world since 1985. Because of their long history, there may be a feeling among those who follow dance that they are not sufficiently out there. However, their performance at the Joyce last night proved such thinking vastly erroneous.
This is apparent in “On the Other Side” (2021). Members of the company walk into the stage, one by one, and begin taping squares onto the floor. Once the piece begins, the troupe dances almost entirely with their squares. This is clearly a reference to the confinement the pandemic placed upon the dancers in particular and the world at large.
Part of the fun of a Parsons show is to see who David Parsons’ stars are each year. Gorgeous Zoey Anderson, a Utah native with surfer-girl beauty, is clearly the “it girl” for 2021; her gravity-defying performance in the strobe-driven “Caught” is among the best we’ve ever seen. Australian Henry Steele, tall and man-bunned, is back and better than ever.
Newcomer Croix Dienno adds his regular-guy Pennsylvania looks, athletic grace, and sense of humor to his solo performance of “Balance of Power” (2020). There must be something in the Pennsylvania water supply that is responsible for turning out such great male dancers; he reminds me of Gene Kelly, who hails from Pittsburgh.
The final piece “The Road” (2021) showcases the ensemble at its finest. It’s performed to songs by Cat Stevens, which is entirely on point (on pointe?) with us OK Boomers.
Parsons will be performing at the Joyce until December 12. So stand not upon the order of going but jete over at once.