The dancers emerged from the darkness, appearing to be coming from out of nowhere and began to take over the stage with their impeccable energy and phenomenal presence. This is the Parsons Dance Company, performing at the Joyce Theater. Lift after lift, the dancers looked light as feathers, preforming some of the most complicated lifts I have even seen on stage. The sense of ease these dancers performed with left me simply in awe. When this talented group of artists weren’t flying high with their partners, they were executing countless turns. The use of shadows, light and darkness in the first two pieces created unique formations and movement paths.
Then there was a complete 180 degree turn as the third number opened with a video showing several South Florida national parks. Shortly after the dancers joined the video on stage, they appeared on the big screen, imitating the animals and becoming one with nature. The piece picked up speed, ending in a busy city, bustling and racing around. The show opened up from intermission with  a signature Parsons piece, Caught. Each time a single strobe light came on, the dancer was at a new location, in the midst of a jump. The show closed with a high energy jazzy piece performed to the Dave Mathews Band that made everyone leave dancing with a smile.
This company’s presence, energy and creativity helped make this performance an unforgettable one. The ability to mix strong music, dancing and  video without one overpowering the other is a fine balancing act that Parsons achieved perfectly. The versatility of the company shows how technically strong dancers and performers they are, being capable of starting the show with a balletic number and ending with an upbeat jazz one. A talk with David Parsons and the company after the show showed that this company is a tight knit group on and off stage. This phenomenal company is strong on and off stage, their positive energy and creative abilities making them a pleasure to watch.