Bryan Anderson: White Out

Although I have seen many brief dance performances in events such as musicals and movies, I have never seen a performance devoted spcifically to dance. I therefore was very excited to see White Out at the Krannert Center. 

I rushed there, slightly late, hoping to see the silent performance in the lobby area. Unofrtunately, I didn't leave myself enough time. Slightly irked, I proceded into the main performing area. I had never been in this particular venue, and, I must say, it was rather unexpected and amazing in its size. 

The four performances presented were all unique and interesting. The first performance, Pass The Goddam Butter, was by far my favorite. The "family" presented was extremely entertaining in that they were all rhythmically connected but at the same time each maintained an idividual personality. My favorite member was the drunk girl, who periodically would stand on something and laugh maniacally. I sort of wish I knew someone like that to make life a bit more entertaining. 

Paper Song was also very entertaining. The dancers themselves were were elegant, their movements very much reminding me of water. Their use of paper was also extroidinary. I recall that when the dozens of paper cranes descended from the ceiling, I did not even realize they were there until they had nearly completed to descent. It was subtle to the point of having an illusory feel that effectively enhanced the performance of the dancers. The use of hundreds of paper airplanes was also quite memorable. The scene reminded me of how I have always longed to throw a bunch of the planes off of a high roof and stare as I guess which direction the wind wil take them next.

My least favorite of the four performances was the experimental Trigger. Although I would not say that I did not enjoy it, it's strange narration style coupled with the partial breaking of the fourth wall was not exactly working for me. I think this feeling comes from a preconception that a dance performance should be minimally vocal in order to maximize effectiveness. 

I am writing this a week later, which is proving to be a problem. I cannnot all remember Getting There! I remember liking it. I wish I knew why.