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Jack Lu Jack Reviews Gene Pool at Dance New Amsterdam 
Gene Pool, Dance New Amsterdam's latest production, praised primarily for its choreographic diversity, demonstrates dance in its prime. DNA provides us with the chance to see acrobats of all physiques soar, bend and twirl at will in a vast variety of moods and artistic expression. Gene Pool is divided into more than ten dances, choreographed and performed by many of their best representative groups independently, and as such truly lives up to its name. The extremely diverse gene pool responsible for the dissimilarity amongst people is analogous to the diverse set of choreographers responsible for the contrasting series of dances performed. Perhaps, however, Gene Pool's strongest and most praised theme -- diversity -- is also its greatest vice. Collectively, the show was a collaboration of disconnected incoherence; a moment of artistic beauty found in one piece of dance would be violently and abruptly destroyed in the transition to the next piece. This is not to say, however, that each of Gene Pool's individual dances was not a magnificent feat of artistic prowess. In conjunction with an arsenal of vast background coloring, the acrobats rhythmically stretched, arched and even twitched in ways so extravagant that you would not think it is physically possible. If you thought all the gravity defying action in Crouching Tiger was not possible, watch this show and you will reconsider. In addition to the dazzling visual display, Gene Pool also succeeds in stimulating the other senses. All the music and special effects used are appropriately engaging with respect to the movement on the stage. Each step of the dancer is empowered by one beat, each leap by a reverberation. The dance is so powerful that the audience can actually feel the movement (well maybe with the help of a woofer). It is rare to have a dance show to incorporate visuals, music and actual physical interactions with such stunning success. All DNA needs is to serve some tasty, fresh rotisserie chicken all the senses would be covered. |