Our Award: 4.5 Fringes
by Joel Markowitz
Arts United was formed in 2003 to create blends of live music, dance, theatre in both performances and arts education. And we are so fortunate that they are offering their show En Route as part of this year’s Fringe Festival.
En Route is fusion- energetic, athletic, twisting, and stretching dance mixed with recorded and live music-jazz, country, folk, French and rock.
The four dancers – Sylvana Sandoz, Talia Bar-Cohen, Aaron Jackson and Ling Tang – combined with the gorgeous voice of John Saint Amour were backed up by an incredible band lead by guitarist extraordinaire John Lee, percussionist Larry Ferguson, and pianist Dan Roberts. I was keeping my right eye on John Lee while my left eye was watching the dancers, because Mr. Lee’s string playing and his love for playing was a sight to behold.
I loved watching Sylvana’s energetically dancing to Nina Simone’s rendition of my favorite Jacques Brel song “Ne Me Quitte Pas. “When Sunny Gets Blue,” danced by Talia and Aaron, was sexy and romantic. “I’m a Small Town” and “Leavin’ It All Behind” was sung with such beauty by John. Ending the show with all four dancers improvising to Leonard Cohen’s lovely version of Hallelujah was the perfect way to showcase their talents.
What a beautiful experience! I hope you will spend time with this amazing troupe, and enjoy the beauty that dance can bring. En Route will keep you on your toes.
