By Crystal Wood

The difficulty in reviewing a dance show at the Fringe is that they are nearly always multi-piece performances.  So much like watching sketch or improv, you’re bound to like some parts better than others.  I found this to be the case with Eternal Eclipse, by local company Kinetic Elements.

The show uses the underlying theme of Roman gods and goddesses (although the program says Greek) to tie together ten contemporary dance pieces.  For the most part, there is a good variety of distinction between the different deities (i.e. Mars is powerful, Venus is sultry).  The show also makes good use of the dancers, incorporating solos, duos and full-cast routines, and making good use of the whole company.

The dancers in Eternal Eclipse don’t all possess the same level of technique.  There were a few unpointed toes and a lack of spotting (a term for focusing the eyes) that would probably only distract other dancers in the audience.  I can state with conviction that Ashley Desson and Kaylan Shearer are the standout performers in this show.  Shearer’s solo performance as Hestia was my favourite piece, both because of her ability and the intricate movements of the choreography.  (All of the pieces were choreographed by Kendra Hughes, the founder of Kinetic Elements.)

Eternal Eclipse is one of eleven shows being presented as part of the Fringe Festival’s Dance Initiative.  (Thank you by the way to the Fringe for promoting dance in such a way.)   If you haven’t seen a lot of live dance shows but like watching the contemporary routines on So You Think You Can Dance, for $10 Eternal Eclipse will make for a good introduction to the form.

Details:

– Venue 4, Bathurst Street Theatre, 736 Bathurst Street
– Showtimes: Tue, July 6 9:00 pm, Wed, July 7 Noon, Thu, July 8 11:00 pm, Sat, July 10 5:45 pm, Sun, July 11 1:45 pm
– All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only),  Online at www.fringetoronto.com, by Phone at 416-966-1062, in person (June 30 – July 11 only) at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street.  Advance tickets are $11 ($10+$1 convenience fee), and $5 for FringeKids (no convenience fee for kids tickets).
– Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows