I’ve never seen dance so hypnotizing or emotionally affecting. In Alone and Together, the SHARP Dance Company presents five dance pieces that are both conceptually concrete enough to emotionally connect, and abstract and ripe for interpretation enough to surprise. Thanks to this clear narrative grounding in musical lyrics and phrasing, the program notes, and emotionally recognizable gestures and movements, this show narratively captivates both dance connoisseurs and those new to dance. Not to mention, the dance skill on display is utterly superhuman.
Each of the five stories centers on a concrete story of self-discovery, growth from pain, and catharsis, with accompanying music composed by artists including Sinéad O’Connor, Counting Crows, and electronic music industry favorite Amon Tobin. Each musical selection has stunningly beautiful standout melodies and intricate harmonies, all of which capture the attention, making them ideal choices for a medium that can visually capture each sound to create a satisfying mise-en-scène. I found myself utterly absorbed in the movement and storytelling on stage. One piece of the production that enabled this was the comfortably high volume level of the backup music, which did a great deal to sensorially immerse the audience in the performance.
In addition to being visually stunning, the stories being told on stage are profoundly touching: they combine narratives specific to particular identities. In the number “Pieces of You” set to the song of the same name by Jewel, the biting lyrics attack discrimination as a concept through the lens of antisemitic, anti-female, and anti-gay hatred. The program asks, “discrimination is an ugly and useless waste of time and energy. Why are people so determined to alienate others?,” and the piece answers. We see individuals from each community represented through lyrics that cut right to the chase of why humans discriminate: they see in others elements of themselves they dislike. In this number, we see these “others” beheld for the beauty and light they radiate on stage. Not only are numerous identities represented as members of groups who deserve acceptance, but the stories here ask a question of everyone, on both sides of acts of discrimination, with ideas universally relevant enough for all to find themselves addressed and interrogated by the performance.
On top of the concepts and narratives at play, the dancing itself is executed flawlessly: it’s often hard to believe that these are people and not animated or computer-generated figures. It’s probably too late for me to start dancing myself, but this performance makes me want to go see more dance.
I am thrilled to learn about SHARP Dance Company through the Capital Fringe. This performance was easily one of the most impressive and affecting I’ve seen, not only at the Fringe but in DC over the last few years. I hope that they continue to receive the recognition they deserve.
Running Time: 55 minutes
Genre: Dance
Dates and Times: (This show’s run has ended.)
Venue: Cafritz Hall, 1529 16th St NW
Tickets: $15
More Info and Tickets: Alone and Together
The complete 2024 Capital Fringe Festival schedule is online here.