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.