Show Business
April 4, 2001
by Julia Holland

"Women's Performance Festival Dance Showcase at The Brooklyn Arts Exchange"

BAX continues its presentation of current dance at the close of its annual Women's Performance Festival.The artists fill the stage with a wide array of movement. Shannon Hummel continues her use of dry humor in Partner Dances, which explores the relationships of three couples. While one lovey-dovey pair quickly disband to make eyes at other people, another couple argues, physically resisting any touch by the significant other. The last pair argue in strained whispers. Amidst the antics between partners, the movement periodically stops, providing a snapshot of the six dancers in their moment to moment relationships. Living room and dining room chairs form the backdrop for the piece, setting a formal affair-type tone with the velvet hues and brocade fabrics. The strong performers, Galois Cohen, Donna Costello, Carolyn Hall, Tessa Nebrida, Kate Pagliasotti and Anna Smith, share an incredibly playful and comfortable rapport with each other, a strong asset in this piece that pokes fun at relationships.