During diStraction’s first video intermission, we are warmly introduced to a side of diSiac that few of us have ever seen. There’s no gyrating, popping or spinning; it’s just a modestly angled interview. The guys goof off while the girls charmingly prep for photographer Arjun Jain ’14’s camera. Prompted to tell their personal distractions, the dancers reveal silly gossip about the other dancers. Indeed, it seems there is a human side to this elite dance crew.
So, what’s my distraction? The short answer is Austin Giangeruso ’14. His name, along with Frem, Marek and Drablos, is plastered all over this production’s program, and with good reason — they really know what they’re doing. Their talents in dance and choreography are displayed throughout the show, but perhaps nowhere so profoundly as in “A Broken Liver and Bloody Nose.” I can say quite honestly that this is the most professional and fascinating dance I’ve ever seen. Truthfully, this piece alone is worth buying the ticket and trekking down to the Berlind Theatre this weekend. In it, Giangeruso, Gray Holubar ’13 and choreographer Jeff Kuperman ’12 collide in a city scene for what can only be described as spastic “Fight Club” zombies occupying Wall Street. It’s weird, dark and challenging; its choreography requires constant concentration from the dancers, and they consistently deliver. Regardless of your dance knowledge, this one’s sure to leave an impression.
But don’t mistake this piece as the show’s only strength. Each dance reveals an interesting new aspect of the company’s diverse abilities. Mika Devonshire ’12 and Samantha Miller ’13’s heart-breaking “Skinny Love” is not only a beautiful demonstration of the girls’ more classical elegance but it is sure to strike guilt into the heart of any sorority girl — this piece is about what sisterhood should look like.
“Eyes Watching Unseeing” and Neia Prata ’11’s ingenious shadow-themed Adele piece are similarly stirring and exhibit diSiac’s interpretive strengths. Their modest visual simplicity seems undone, however, by the tacky costumes in “Politic” and “Did It On Them”; fortunately, these numbers lay the swag on thick enough to make the dancers seem ... well ... pretty awesomely thug. The show also includes a daring and commendable foray into K-Pop, in which the choreographers somehow manage to mold diSiac into an idol group that is sure to make many swoon. Finally, anyone with a soul ought to feel a sharp pang of nostalgia during the show’s ecstatic finale.
All in all, the show feels full and delivers a healthy dose of sexy, somber and silly all in one. Once again, diSiac demonstrates a meticulous obsession with tight choreography and music selection that is sure to please.
Pros: Stand out pieces; great video intermissions.
Cons: Over-the-top costumes detract from the dancing.
4.5/5 Paws
Read More
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
Jack AllenAfter hearing about the struggles faced by a number of these restaurants after students left campus in mid-March, Dilbagi created Zage, an online platform that allows community members to send money to local businesses now to redeem as credits on their purchases in the future.
This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.
A ramen tour of Princeton
Amy WatskyThe Prospect reviews three ramen restaurants in the Princeton area.
