Parsons Dance takes flight with unique choreography

August 24, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In its 20-year history, Parsons Dance has earned a reputation as one of the premiere dance troupes in the world. David Parsons started the company that bears his name in 1987, after spending nearly a decade as a principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

Described by some as a “choreographic chameleon,” Parsons’ contemporary work appeals to both fans of modern dance, as well as people who don’t normally like modern dance. Parsons Dance will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Parsons’ choreography is distinct because he doesn’t shy away from gimmicks that others shun. He employs strobe lights and pantomime in his works, but he uses these devices in ways that are intelligent and provocative. Parsons’ stylistic edge gives his company “a vitality and theatricality as individual as a fingerprint” according to Clive Barnes of The New York Post. Parsons Dance is also known for its “unstaged look.” The dancers appear to be improvising, creating their own movements on the spot. Their flawless technique is the only thing that gives away the choreography’s complexity.

Parsons’ ability to break the modern dance mold and create his own, contemporary style has earned him international acclaim as well as numerous awards. He received a Dance magazine award and the American Choreography Award for his work on AEROS, a production that was created at the Phillips Center main stage.

The Sept. 14 program includes “Nascimento Novo,” set to music by Milton Nascimento and featuring an array of Brazilian instruments and styles rarely heard outside of Brazil; Hand Dance, featuring music by Kenji Bunch; Closure; “Kind of Blue,” performed to Miles Davis’ “So What”; “Caught,” one of David Parsons’ signature works; and “In the End,” featuring music by the Dave Matthews Band.

Tickets are $35, front orchestra, mezzanine and mid-orchestra; $30, rear orchestra; and $25, balcony. There will be a pre-performance discussion with David Harrison, executive director of Parsons Dance, at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or by calling Ticketmaster at 904-353-3309 or toll free at 800-277-1700. Orders may also be faxed to 352-846-1562. Tickets are also available in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union and all Ticketmaster outlets; and on the web at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group tickets are also available.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and two hours prior to performance. Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.