It's Just You and Me
Living in a dynamic and unpredictable world, we are all on a journey of continual reinvention. Sometimes change is welcomed and at other times, it is forced upon us by circumstance. What elements of ourselves do we choose to keep and which parts do we let go of? This contemporary dance show honours the many versions self.
Independent dance shows are getting harder and harder to find in arts festivals in Edmonton, let alone large ensemble dance shows. I went to a dance show a couple of years ago and the host joked that the only people who see indie dance shows are dancers themselves or loved ones of the performers. This held pretty true for this show, which is a damn shame because it was awesome.
Upon walking in, the first thing I noticed was that the amount of stage fog/smoke was UNBELIEVABLE. I've never seen and smelled so much of it in a theatre before, and I'm not sensitive to it at all so that's saying something. I felt like I was being hotboxed by an overzealous vaper. If you have any pulmonary concerns at all, or are sensitive to scents, please prepare a mask.
I also wish that there was a bit more coherence in the show, whether by general theme, music choices, etc. This felt like a showcase or anthology show, which wasn't as effective as their previous Fringe show that was held together by a single musical artist.
Regardless, I was glad to see that they were on a much bigger stage this year (thanks Roxy Theatre), as their last Fringe show was in the smaller of the La Cite venues and I genuinely feared that they may fall of the stage or hit the ceiling. I was also happy to see a greater diversity of dancers in the company this year!
The choreo was emotive and beautiful and impressive as always, and the dancing doubly so. I was surprised to see that they explained the meaning of each performance in the program. Frankly, I think that was completely unnecessary, as the themes and intent were pretty clear in the dancing itself. Artists, trust your audience!!
Overall, I don't think Viva could disappoint me with any Fringe offering. Can't wait to see what they do next.
A gorgeous display of art and athleticism combined, It’s Just You And Me and the talented dancers behind it captivated the audience and put such powerful emotion behind every movement. Each act takes on such a different theme and meaning that the range of these dancers is something to be celebrated. Even those who struggle to understand contemporary art like myself will find this piece beautiful and impactful, and will be amazed by the strength and beauty of these incredible artists.
We were so excited to see the Viva Dance Company return to the Edmonton Fringe this year. We have made it to all of their past shows because of the troupe’s originality, beauty and energy they bring to their dance. Every year there has been something new; but this year’s performance stepped up everything. So well done. I encourage everyone who enjoys dance and well-mixed sound tracks to check them out at the Roxy Theatre. We bought 2 more tickets for tomorrow on the way out of today’s show. I especially have to see again Fear, the Optimist, and the closer Ara, a number which the audience rewarded the dancers with a standing ovation.