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Stage Flying high
Aeros, a marriage of gymnastics and dance, fills the stage with gravity-defying feats of athleticism and grace.
By MARTY CLEAR
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 20, 2003
Is this dance, or gymnastics, or something else altogether?
Aeros, which returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for two shows on Saturday, brings together some of the finest gymnasts with some of the most innovative choreographers. Added into the mix are the creators of one of the most acclaimed and indefinable stage shows of the past decade.
It defies categories, which may make dance elitists grumble, but suits the people involved with the show just fine.
"There are always the purists who are going to complain," said choreographer David Parsons. "But this is just an exciting show that deserves to be seen."
The idea for Aeros came from Italian producer Antonio Gnecchi, who approached Parsons with the idea of a show combining modern dance and gymnastics.
Once the particulars were worked out, the creative team included Parsons, the founder of the renowned Parsons Dance Company; Moses Pendleton, the founder of legendarily iconoclastic companies Momix and Pilobolus; famed independent choreographer Daniel Ezralow and Stomp creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.
The performers were members of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, which includes several Olympians. Even though they had performed in front of huge crowds, they had to adjust to performing a 90-minute show, rather than a three-minute routine, and to play to the audience.
"They learned to express themselves in such a way that they're communicating with an audience instead of with a judge," Parsons said. "To watch gymnasts become artists was something to see. They're taking an emotional journey onstage."
Parsons said people who saw Aeros here in 2001 will notice some differences this time.
"It's gone through several incarnations," he said. "Now it's a very tight, very fast-paced show. It's a beauty."
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PREVIEW: Aeros, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. $25-$35. Call (727) 791-7400.
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