A theatrical Jazz vibrate

Presented by the Dance World, Jazzin’ Across the Floor at the Lionel Wendt this week and choreographed by Sureka Buell, gave the Sri Lankan audience a relishing experience in what jazz is all about. It is passion and more passion.

I find it difficult to embrace contemporary dance and their off-shoots or for that matter, jazz, especially because of its erratic loud music and fast moving tempo. It sends me reeling; may be it is the generation gap after studying sober and endearing classical ballet. Just ignore my feel and move over.

Time has changed in the last couple of decades when modern dance has gripped young people and one has to move with the crowd which brings me face to face with this sizzling, scintillating dance teacher, Sureka Buell who is changing the face of Sri Lanka’s voyage to Western dance. Gifted as she is, Sureka has the capacity to energies her young troup and be one of them which motivates them. For a dancer working on her own forms of dance, Sureka finds inspirational experience from her students. Left alone she is stunning but that means creating a huge contrast with other dancers who performed.

Radiance, soft and eye-catching in what they wore

The challenges to realize such a production such as Jazzin Across the Stage must have been rewarding and as much been made debatable, therein lies lies its character and Sureka has risen to it. One could see her assurance grow as she whips her dancers through a grueling sequence in her perfect nuance.

Choreographer/Asst. Choreographer combination of Sureka Buell and Deshana de Alwis was the pick of the evening as they simply enamoured the audience. Executed with grace and charm, You Raise Me Up was emotionally stirred into the wonderful rending of from a distance (one of my favourite tracks). Both dancers sank into their performing skills with ease and elegance. Had they used the expanse of the wide stage more liberally, stretching themselves a little more, dressed in white, the effect would have been stunning. They both cut dashing figures, dancing with fervour. Sureka with her allegorical figure of music and dance in fluid, stood out successfully but apparently in awkward choreography.

The beauty of the simple settings helped carry the evening but choreographically and musically, it did not find its identity. The dancers are not to be written off; they are gifted in all areas and in the future, are bound to show more grace and professionalism. They are genuine and did have their moments of triumph as I watched them emerge into each other for support which is a very good thing. They enjoyed what they were doing, smiling at ease which is this type of dance is. There was no strain in any face.

Grueling sequence paved way to perfect nuance

Impressive images of colour reflected through their very attractive costumes that contributed hugely for dancer-confidence.

They were well- fitted, attired in grace, not-over-stepping outrageously. Mitabi Gunawardena’s deft fingers were responsible for the dazzling grab.

Sassy Cats were adorable and stole the hearts of all. They were cute, chirpy and winsome that drew screening voices from across the audience, disturbing the whole scenario.

The Heart-breakers were so sizzling and energetic, full of aplomb while I Believe was emotional, youthful where Deshani de Alwis/Kamaya de Silva enchanted the crowds with the lyricism of the song. Must-mention is Radiance, soft and eye-catching in what they wore.

But most of all, Sachinatha’s Beat Drummers, exploded, ignited and brought the roof down and what a change it was. They caught the imagination of the audience in a mixture of culture merging on into another and kept all of us tapping our toes. It was much needed explosion of energy.

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