Blue 13 Dance Co Performs a Driving Tour-de-Force Electrifying Eclectic Modern Work that Works Artistically

The APAP /NYC Global Performing Arts Conference brought an international plethora of dance to NYC in a marathon of international dance companies throughout the world.  The dance showcases were held in numerous venues throughout the city including Lincoln Center on Columbus Circle and City Center.  The showcases commenced in the early hours of the day lasting through the midnight hours.  APAP brings dance companies together to present their works and allows for tangental dance professionals & associations opportunities to observe, connect & exchange ideas.   The staggering & spectacular performances are overwhelming in magnitude.  Nevertheless, APAP is an opportunity not to be overlooked.  Saturday night I was especially delighted to see BLUE 13 DANCE Co perform "Terpsihore in Gungroos"at City Center.  The artistic dir/choreographer, Achinta McDaniel introduced herself and her work saying she is a 1st generation American whose parents were born in India and she identifies with both her country & her Indian culture.  The mouthful title to her enchanting & powering choreography is a combination of the Greek Muse of Dance & Chorus, Terpishore and Gungroos which are metallic bells strung together to form a musical anklet tied to the feet of classical Indian dancers.  The choreography maintained a rhythmic, driving power that highlighted the women dancers donning gungroos & harem style pantaloons in misty shades of ochre. The hazy, dim lighting added an ancient archeological aesthetic that unearthed the mesmerizing melding of ballet, modern, Bollywood and cultural Indian dance.  The music McDaniel selected was hypnotic & the addition of the gungroos made a richly layered composition that provided a wonderful musicality to the dancing.  The dancers, with women outnumbering the men, were all exceptional.  The androgynous costuming was a good choice as this did not deter from the medley of dancing styles.  The women had the stronger & more daring dance moves (women flipped onto other women's backs with astonishing grace & strength).  There was some storytelling which spoke perhaps to a push/pull of assimilation.  The clever choreography was wonderful on its creative merits.  Special detail was given to the porte-bras that added an exotic Bollywood flourish.  BLUE 13 DANCE Co. gave a tour-de-force, unique & inspiring performance.  This is a company whose work deserves attention.