A week ago Wednesday evening, the Pas de Deux created by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden of “Complexions” dance company (NYC), placed on contestants Will and Katee of “So You Think You Can Dance”, was nothing less than spectacular. I am not privy to the selection process of choreographer to dancing couple; however, Will and Katee are clearly the most technically trained of the remaining contestants. In the dancers’ comments, the choreography left no room for error, and the technical abilities of the dancers were pushed to the limits.
Richardson and Rhoden clearly leaders of the “new school” of performance, came from the “old school” mentality in conservatory training, There are no shortcuts..Learn by doing! It is in this display of precision, technical ability and integrity that a clear conservation of “art” in dance is maintained. The purity of the movement and the choice of choreographic vocabulary lend itself to concise storytelling, (the responsibility and integrity of the artist). Technical merit and performance, however quirky, is the foundation adding the finishing touches to the dancing body.
