By Hilarie Laukat
The man is weightless, suspended in midair.
At least that is the way it will appear to those nestled in a dark, strobe lit theater as they watch Parsons Dance present their signature piece, ?Caught.?
Tonight BYU will host Parsons Dance, an internationally-renowned modern dance company, at 7:30 in the de Jong Concert Hall. Tickets range in price from $15-$27, or $8-$20 with a student ID, depending on seat location. Tickets are available via the Harris Fine Arts Center Ticket Office, online at byuarts.com or over the phone at (801) 422-4322.
Strategic lighting design and tremendous skill create the impressive illusion and energy this company is known for.
The New York Times?s Jennifer Dunning has acclaimed Parsons as ?a company of individualistic performers who don?t all look like dancers but move with the same slyly sizzling energy.?
This reputation has been tirelessly developed by director David Parsons since the group?s inception in 1985.
?Parsons is well-established as a group ? with dynamic, engaging and entertaining choreography,? said Pam Musil, BYU?s contemporary dance division administrator. ?People can encounter a broad range of styles in their dancing.?
Variety is a key aspect of contemporary dance in general, making it accommodating for audiences of all sorts, Musil said. Parsons trumps on the flexibility that contemporary dance provides and incorporates its own distinctive style.
?I liked the idea of Parsons coming to BYU because their choreography and energy is very bright ? athletic and lively,? said Jeff Martin, coordinator for BYU Performing Arts Management?s guest series. ?I think they will appeal to a BYU audience and the type of dance our students and community enjoy.?
Parsons will perform six original works, including ?Caught? and some others set to the tunes of popular 19th century musicians, such as Miles Davis and Earth, Wind and Fire. For those who attend, members of the BYU dance faculty believe this show will be well worth their while.
