Meryl Tankard presents 'Furioso'

Hitting the Ann Arbor scene this weekend is none other than an import from the land down under. Meryl Tankard's Australian modern dance company is making its Ann Arbor debut in leaps and bounds with its performance of Furioso.

Something exciting is in the air -could it be the dancers? If you didn't get your fill of cupid last weekend, here's your chance to watch love glide through the air. Although the dancers are positioned in aloft the stage, that's where the similarities with the sappy holiday mascot end.

Most dance endeavors are entertaining. Some have us walking away exhilarated, and others prefer to explore the aspects of life which make us uncomfortable. With its passionate music, and exploration of love as both gratifying and enslaving, Furioso accomplishes both.

The use of ropes to suspend the dancers, while unusual, furnishes the production with a dynamic feeling. As Tankard, choreographer and head of the production, explains, "Most people have been in love at one point in their lives, so they can relate. The excitement and passion that comes with a relationship can also give way to feelings of entrapment. The ropes help to express the parallel existence of freedom and confinement."

Although this may be her first time setting foot in Ann Arbor, she is no stranger to the rest of the world. Having toured extensively, written, acted and directed, Tankard obviously doesn't sit still for long. Audiences all around the world have enthusiastically embraced the company's diverse style. This may be credited to the fact that she doesn't create a formula and latch onto it. Not surprisingly, she shirks from the use of traditional vocabulary as a means of explaining her dances. "I prefer not to confine myself to such structured definitions; I like to invent the movements, therefore, I cannot simply say that we use tap and ballet, because it is a completely different feeling that you walk away with," Tankard said. Not surprising, coming from the woman who has chosen ropes in favor of convention.

Tankard credits Furioso's success to the combination of strong dances and equality among the elements of the production. "Every aspect of the production is given equal attention; nothing is neglected or shortchanged. From the passionate music, the strength of the dancers, all the way down to the fabric of the costumes, all the bases are covered," Tankard said.

In addition to detail, the special touches haven't been forgotten. "The costumes which are made of crushed silk, are designed in 18th Century style, giving the dancers a timeless look as they soar through the air."

Tickets for Meryl Tankard Australian Dance Company's performance of "Furioso" are $16-$32, and can be purchased by calling (734) 764-2538.

02-19-99