Different Drum's daunting, dazzling diversity derby

STEPHANIE CHU/YH A Different Drum dances diversely

"Dance is not something to talk about. Dance is to dance," Peter Saint James said. But we should talk about it; after weeks of drought, this weekend is jam-packed. A Different Drum is one of the performing groups, and it's well worth the hike to the Education Center for the Arts to see them.

Clearly the strongest element of A Different Drum's Fall '99 show is what the group prides itself on most: diversity. There are 17 pieces, each with different costumes, ensembles, music, lighting, and dance styles. The group's 21 dancers (plus strong guest appearances) sustain a high energy level throughout the two acts. Modern, tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, Tahitian, and Indian are only some of the styles incorporated into the pieces. Though many of the pieces lack compelling choreography, some, like BriAnne Shaw's, ES '02, "Remix" and Lindsey Tucker's, MC '01, finale "Kiss Me Baby," are rich in ambitious moves. "Footsie," choreographed by Odile Joly, MC '02, is also quirkily original in its use of a large black cloth that hides all but the dancers' feet.

Music is crucial to dance. Here, there is a wonderfully effective soundtrack to the different pieces, ranging from Rachmaninoff to Tori Amos. Basque, a guitarist and singer duo, creates a hauntingly beautiful live score for "Swollen Stranger on an Autumn Afternoon." The program's tightest piece is "Rub That Tree," choreographed by Ciara Lacy, ES '02, which seamlessly incorporates its hard-edged and sexy steps with music by KRS-One. "Little Green Bag," with music by the George Baker Selection and choreography by James DuRuz, TD '03, works well within the limits of its spot lighting narration. Another standout is Lisa Grinfeld's, TC '00, rave-inflected "CaNdy-LaNdE." Grinfeld and A Different Drum have recruited dancers who have their liquid dancing down, and in one of the program's most ambitious moments, three of them come together in a spinning sculpture of light.

A Different Drum does not offer an entirely even program, but it is rich in diverse celebration of dance. True to its form, there's never a static moment.

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