THE CARNIVAL CHOREOGRAPHERS BALL!
(WHERE OVER-DOSING ON HIP-HOP IS NOT A BAD THING)

CARNIVAL!!!  What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you hear this word?  Perhaps a bunny jumping out of a magician’s hat, a Ferris wheel ride, or maybe cotton candy?  Well, after experiencing the thrill ride of this weekend, I found out

“CARNIVAL” = MIND BLOWING CHOREOGRAPHY from NYC’s finest!

Friday, April 7, 2009 was a windy and chilly evening, (Really New York!?  Can we stop with the cold?) but inside HIRO on 16^th Street and 9^th Avenue, it couldn’t get HOTTER.  Broadway Dance Center sponsored The Carnival:  A Choreographers Ball, hosted by Carey Ysais, Bijan Williams, and Kelly Peters.  By the close of the evening, SEVENTEEN choreographers (representing all forms of dance) and their dancers would be showcased.

Before we get to the dancing, let’s set the scene.  The location is amazing - a huge two-floor club with high ceilings, ornate Oriental light fixtures, fancy booths, and bottle service for those who are feeling sassy.  HIRO oozes a sexy red glow and is PACKED – talk about standing room only!  Before the opening number hit the stage, the DJ is bringing the house down, and the buzz of excited dancers, choreographers, and spectators fill the room with anticipation.  HUNDREDS of people are gathered for this special event.  I am even lucky to find a spot standing at the top of a staircase where I have a full view of the stage.  I’m telling you, this is like having lawn seats to your favorite concert…  people are doing crazy things just to get a closer, better, view.

Let’s get started with dissecting this insane program of events!  Note that every piece has been introduced without a title and no recognition of the music…  so we really are focusing solely on choreography!

RAZBERRY JAM  The opening number sets the scene as host Carey Ysais and a swarm of sexified VOGUE dancers (Molly Stewart, Shakra Marshall, LaShonna Holloway, Daisy Flores, and Paulette Azizian) pose their way into our hearts with some SERIOUS voguing!  Scantily clad in heels, fishnets, booty shorts, corsets, and big hair, these ladies are a healthy contrast to Carey’s impressive yet somewhat humorous voguing.  I enjoy moments when he makes his way to each lady and physically poses them.  A pleasant opening, but merely just a teaser to what is later in store . . .

ALONZO WILLIAMS  When Alonzo Williams’ army of dancers takes the stage, you aren’t getting it back. This routine is so tight, so full of raw talent; Alonzo Williams’ choreography is the show to watch.  All dressed in black, the women are sexy, wild and strong while the men fearlessly tear it up.  Williams’ unbelievable, unpredictable elements of surprise truly leave you begging for more.  After this opening number, I dared anyone to top this seemingly flawless performance.   So much choreography is packed into one performance… seeing it once is not enough.  Dancers:  Dominique Rosario, Dion Dennis, Carlos Melendez, Carmelo Cruz, Cochise Quinones Jr., Ashley Powell, Justin Johnson, Kenny Bernudez, Denzel Chisolm, Adrian Rosario, Keanna Casey, Monica Veloz, and Natquan Savoy

JASON LEE  Jason’s slammin’ band of breakers reach a sentimental place as they each do a solo segment to a recording of each dancer’s own voice, telling the story of how he has gotten into breaking.  From the voice over, Lee’s artists speak about their personal struggles in their journey to become accepted as true dance artists, yet, while at the same time, do an AMAZING job of proving their undeniable talents.  I really enjoy this artistic approach to breaking…  no music, just honest dancers making their voices heard and doing what they do well.  Breakers: Jason Ng, Ken Marez, Sam Soto, Jamal Warren, and Jason Lee.

DEBORAH Y. WILSON  Debbie Wilson’s choreography is SEX on a stick.  Sexy is not even the word.  Fierce, sensual, and erotic… this is Debbie Wilson!  Give me a group of half-clothed (or is it half-unclothed?) ripped dancers gyrating on top of each other any day.  Not only do her dancers (ooze sexuality and physical dominance in their black and red, but they prove to be technically trained and capable of entertaining a crowd.  Kudos dancers:  Jessica Barahona, Leanne Bowman, Swann Cardot, Malik Coleman, Nicole Gaglio, Jamila Holman, Rick Long, Miles Mckee, Alayna Simpson, Luis Torres, Katie Warner Johnson, Amy Romero, & Nico Rodriguez.

SHYRELLE KALILIKANE  Shyrelle delivers one of my favorite pieces of the evening.  She introduces us to masked ballerinas and men in suits grandly masquerading across the stage, and then quickly throws us for a loop when these fancy folks turn out to be savagely ferocious hip-hop dancers tearing up a PHANTOM OF THE OPERA REMIX!  Shyrelle’s vision is so unique, well-thought out, and captivating.  I could NOT look away, not even once.  At one point, the “singer” (who is lip-syncing the well-known shrill screaming of the song) is at the center while the cast members each attach a long strand of fabric to her tutu and revolve around her in a grandiose circle.  Maybe you just have to see it to believe it!  A great moment occurs after that when this shrieking singer comes to the front of the stage and pulls out none other than a revolving heel-stretch.  FIERCE!  Cast:  Maria Wada, Carolina Guzman, Shaina Curtis, Hilde Henning, Kiki Fotiadas, Luis Torres, Steven Williams, Brandon Williams, Maho Udo & Takushi.

RHAPSODY  Rhapsody (who might have been a last minute addition because she is not listed in the program) blesses the chil’ren with her queenly presence and effortless command.   She has been a force in the hip-hop world for years and proves once again why this is true.  Rhapsody produces rock-solid routines, with amazing accents and themes that make you feel like part of the creative process.  Love the sunglasses!  Dancers are unlisted.

EXCEL GARNER  Excel makes a big impact with a huge group of dancers, stylishly clad in royal blue and black… a pleasant change-up from the mostly black, white, and red themes of the evening.  Excel proves to be a very talented choreographer, able to organize the driving passion of his piece into manageable sections.  Excel’s piece is fast and furious.  If you blink, you’ll never know what you missed!  Dancers:  Carlena Smith, Jessica Santangelo, Kerri Forster, Amanda Eve, Robyn Young, Tiffanie Kettle, Seabreeze, Jonathan Gonzales, Skate, Danny Williams, Nicole Bilbao, Marlon Borland, Excel Garner

SHERYL MURAKAMI feat. T(h)RASH  Angry bitches in enormous Afro-wigs with baseball bats unite!  Sheryl creates a hilarious scene where the ladies fall in love with a blow-up doll (“Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows”) behind a sheet labeled “T(h)RASH”.  The doll then cheats on the ladies with a blow-up bikini babe, causing sh*t to hit the fan.  These ladies are angry and out for payback…hence their ravenous revenge-inspired hip-hop routine - swinging baseball bats and literally beating the clothes of the male AND female dummies.  Hilarious?   Yes.  Entertaining?  Yes.  Talent?  Yes.  Brilliance?  Not sure.  But I definitely remembered it… so that counts for something!  Dancers:  KT Berenson, Katya Diaz, Yuko Kai, Amanda Scoggins, and Sheryl Murakami

BRETT STURGIS  Brett Sturgis does not mess around when he choreographs for Carnival.  From Native American dancing to Latin ballroom to tribal craziness, this piece is packed with action.  The Latin section, involving three couples, is one section that I particularly enjoyed.  Sturgis mixes salsa, samba, and intricate partnering to create a passionate scene that blows “Dancing with the Stars” out of the water.  The tribal drums he uses to conclude the piece make for a deliciously over-the-top finale, as the swarm of dancers throw themselves all over the dance floor in tight proximity!  Great costumes as well…   I mostly remember the fuzzy boots.  Dancers: Engel Santana, Carlos Rios, Karen Hauer, Elizabeth Ochoa, Candy Mena, Armando Acevedo, Maria Ramos, Carlos Salazar, Joe Buffa, Daisha Graff, & Gionannia Santos

HALF TIME!!!!!!!  IF YOU ARE STILL READING…  GOOD FOR YOU!  At this point in the night, Carnival took a break while a clown walked a tightrope and juggled three baby rhinos.  Ok just kidding about the clown (…..and the rhinos), but you only got that if you are still reading!!!  Way to go!  PRESSING ON!

FELICIANO DANCE CO.   Angel Feliciano’s company produces a solid, entertaining performance.  The movement is authentic as it gets.  His dancers are the real deal, and you won’t find a weak link in the bunch.  Dressed in red, black, and white…  they own it.  I wish it would’ve been a little more creative in theme… but I can’t really complain about a solid performance.  Feliciano Dance Co. is the truth.  Dancers:  Joey Lico, Susie Ross, Noel Rodriquez, Anne Hugs, Jason Santana, Thomas, Melanie Agguire, Chris White, Bam Bam Valentine, Jimmy Williams, & Angel Feliciano.

TRACIE STANFIELD  Tracie provides a breath of fresh air with some technical dancing.  One may call it contemporary, perhaps you prefer lyrical jazz.  Whichever, these booty-short sporting ladies worked out “Come Together.”   Extensions flying, turns, and sensual subtleties made this a much-needed contrast to the hip-hop overtones of the night.  Nice work ladies!  Dancers:  Tara Nixon, Criscia Richardson, Ai Shimatsu, Heidi Sutherland.

STRYKE FORCE ENT.  BOYS WILL BE BOYS!  Stryke Force brings us twelve guys dancing their hearts out to some old school nineties hip-hop and funky tunes, while hitting it with the modern edge of 2009!  I was absolutely in love with this.  Stryke Force really brought me back into the game, as I was starting to grow tired.  We are nearing 2 AM at this point!  These guys, tired?  I think not.  The energy of Stryke Force is so magnetic, you can’t help but fall in love.  I’d watch it again and again.  Once again, a red, white and black theme!  Dancers:  Kristopher Campbell, Corey Johnson, Victor Shoyelu, Robert Boyer, Sherman Rogers, David Thomans, Erick Footman, Keith Tolbert, Raymond Young, Robert Taylor Jr., Michael Gilbert, Garrick Footman

RYAN DANIEL BECK  A very interesting choice by Mr. Beck.  Two ladies battling the urge to become lovers!  One dressed as a punk rocker with chewing gum, the other all in white. Surprisingly the rocker is the one having “issues” with allowing herself to indulge in the affair, while the girl in white seemed to be completely at ease.  They mirrored each other’s movement and at one point passionately kiss until the girl in white pulls the gum out of the rocker’s mouth!  Shock value?   Maybe.  Ryan Beck’s work definitely sparks a good conversation and hits relevant issues of today’s culture.  Dancers:  Tyler Gilstrap, Adele Nickel

DANIEL HARDER  A unique cast of colorfully dressed individuals utilizes countless stimulating formations and gives us another look at great hip-hop.  I’d be lying if I said at this point in the night everything was clear…  because it was starting to get hazy.  If you weren’t giving me insanity, you were blending in with the crowd and my critic brain may have started to blink “OVERLOAD!”   I’d hate to say that happened with this, but I wasn’t knocked off my feet.  The dancers worked it out though, I gotta hand it to them.  Dancers: Ephraim Sykes, Jennifer Locke, April Shipp, Tenealle Farragher, Sisley Loubet, Daniel Harder

VANESSA NEVA  Vanessa gives us our first glimpse at belly-dancing ladies with the occasional very talented hip-hop guy bouncing around in between.  I can’t say this was my favorite although I appreciated the music and Indian undertones.  It seemed the dancers didn’t make a cohesive group and the overall theme was unclear.  Although it was fun for awhile to watch the gyrating, I will say the talented guys made this piece worth watching.  Dancers: Anasmah Vuong, Jak-Hamah, Laurel House, Lena Marti, Mariko Masaoka Drew, Nobuya Nagahama, Saloua Ibaline, Sandralis Goudjo & Vanessa Neva

JEROME HARRIS  Jerome’s dancers brought their hip-hop game on this fantastic evening of hip-hop.  But again at this point in the night I struggled to keep everyone straight unless the choreography or theme was particularly clear and memorable.  Harris’s dancers are quick, sharp, together, well-rehearsed, and hugely talented.  The challenge is finding a way to be remembered on a night like this, where everyone is top notch!  Dancers:  Nico Ki, Shaina Curtis, Shyrelle Kalilikane, Ileana Hichez, Carolina Guzman, Joe Buffa, & Jerome Harris

JAK-HAMAH  Superman!  We end the show with a ferocious tribute to Superman.  Every cast member dons the famous “S” emblem on their chest and go at it like they have never danced before!   Impressive.  Jak Hamah takes hip-hop to a great level with the choreography, despite the dancers not necessarily all bringing the same level of talent.  Dancers:  Alayna Simpson, Brandi Killbourne, John John Baptiste, Robert Taylor, Stephanie Loria, Tiffany Payme, Vanessa Verdot, Jak-Hamah

Overall, it was a mind-blowing evening of hip-hop and contemporary choreography that I’d gladly watch again.  See ya’ll at next season’s CHOREOGRAPHERS BALL!  If you are still reading this, you have just earned a dollar.  To claim your dollar, sign up to be a member on www.iDANZonline.com.  Just kidding, you don’t get a dollar.  But I’m proud of you for reading this far!  You are now an expert on the hip-hop circuit of NYC!  Get on iDANZ to check out videos of this performance and others!

iDANZ Critix Corner 
Official Dance Review by Sheena DiMatteo 
Performance: The Carnival Choreographers Ball (New York City Edition) 
Choreographer(s): Razberry Jam, Sheryl Murakami, Feliciano Dance Co., Shyrelle Kalilikane, Stryke Force Ent., Ryan Daniel Beck, Tracie Stanfield, Deborah Y. Wilson, Daniel Harder, Jason Lee, Jerome Harris, Excel Garner, Alonzo Williams, Vanessa Neva, Jak-Hamah, Brett Sturgis
Venue: HIRO, New York City
Date:  April 7, 2009
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