reSURGEnce by Kinetic Elements was like watching an extended episode of So You Think You Can Dance and I mean that as a compliment. I hope that TV shows like SYTYCD encourage people who wouldn’t normally see live dance to go and see shows like reSURGEnce because it is wonderfully entertaining and performed by a very talented bunch of dancers.
The show is divided into short pieces and they all have something to say through their dance. This young company is a positive role model for their peers as they do not shy away from dancing about sexuality, the concept of beauty and the G2o. They commit to their dancing fully and you can see them sweating and hear them breathing which all adds to the power of the piece.
The music choices are perfect and some of them really evoked emotion within me. The ensemble worked exceptionally well together but I personally had a hard time looking at anybody else when Chelsea Lee was on stage, she is a fascinating dancer and has a very strong presence.
I also loved the two solo pieces by Elizabeth Vecchio and Sandra Clarke. Vecchio’s piece was extremely powerful and her costume choice added to the piece as well. Clarke’s piece was beautiful and her music choice was paired wonderfully with her choreography. In another piece these two performed together for a moment with just their backs to the audience and the lines they created were amazing.
The whole show was a wonderful way to pass an hour and anyone who loves dance should see this show and anyone who wants to be introduced to dance should see this show, the pieces are short so you get a real taste test of different styles and dances. I commend Kendra Hughes on creating this company and her excellent choreography.
Choreographer: Kendra Hughes
Genre: Dance
Warning: Fog Machine
Venue 12 Factory Theatre Mainspace
60 min.
Sat, July 9 9:15 PM 1218
Sun, July 10 1:15 PM 1220
Mon, July 11 8:30 PM 1230
Wed, July 13 3:30 PM 1240
Thu, July 14 11:00 PM 1251
Fri, July 15 4:00 PM 1254
Sat, July 16 2:15 PM 1260
Individual Fringe tickets are available at the door for $10 ($5 for FringeKids), cash only.
– Latecomers will not be permitted.
– Tickets are also available online at fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062 or in person at The Fringe Tent (behind Honest Ed’s). Advance tickets are $11 – $10 + $1 convenience fee.
– Money saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows.
I’m not a big dance fan, but every year during the Fringe I try to hit at least one dance piece. This year, I saw reSURGEnce, and was impressed at the variety, accessibility, and (honest) political commentary. On the other hand, it’s dark; when the ensemble does their opening number wearing bright T-shirts, enjoy it, because it’s the last time for the hour that you’re going to see anyone wearing color who doesn’t end up somehow being punished. That’s not a complaint, but it is a warning. This is an emotional show, but it’s not joyous.