No Permanent Answers consist of two unique contemporary dance performances choreographed by Angela Blumberg and Tracey Norman. This Toronto Fringe Festival dance production boasts some of the finest contemporary dancers in Toronto. The strength and maturity of the dancers was apparent as they danced their hearts out on the Randolph Theatre stage.

Let me first start of by saying, I love dance. Dancing is a beautiful way to express oneself and it can be incredibly soulful. However in abstract forms of dance, I’m sometimes left with an uneasiness. Let’s just say by the end of the show, I have far more questions than answers. This is not to take away from the great form, technique and sheer athleticism presented in all the dancers. The production, however, sometimes lacked an emotion and a connection to the audience members. And for a Fringe show, emotion and connection is something I look for.

I did, however, love Angela Blumberg’s Five Souls dance piece. The distorted movements were captivating and certainly unique. Irvin Chow’s presence on stage was electrifying! I followed him on his gruelling journey to find his inner soul. His full commitment to his performance was a standout and I am a fan of his work.

After Blumberg’s choreographic piece, there was about a five minute pause. I’ve never seen this in a Fringe show and since the second part of the dance was entirely different, with new dancers (so no costume changes) and there was set design, I just had to wonder… why such a long pause?

This brings me to the second dance piece called what goes between. What stood out were the still moments between the dancers. I followed their glances as they stared silently at each other. I wondered what the intention was and what the stares could mean. The dance was mixed with intensity and versatility. I caught glimpses of emotion between the dancers but again, I felt it needed more.

I left the Randolph Theatre speaking to some of the audience members who weren’t quite sure on how they felt about the dance show. And there were others in the audience who cheered loudly.

That is the thing about dance. It is meant to be felt and the opinions of others will always vary. So if you enjoy watching dance or a fan of dance, then check out No Permanent Answers playing at The Randolph Theatre.
Details:

Venue:

Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst St Toronto

Performances:

Friday, July 5 5:15pm
Saturday, July 6 7:30m
Tuesday, July 9 9:00pm
Wednesday, July 10 12:00noon
Thursday, July 11 11:00pm
Saturday, July 13 5:45pm
Sunday, July 14 12:00noon

Tickets:

• At-the-door tickets: $10
• At-the-door tickets are available at the Randolph Theatre  starting one hour prior to show time – cash sales only.
• Advance tickets: $11
• Advance tickets go on sale June 15, 2013
• Purchase online: fringetoronto.com
• By Phone: 416-966-1062, ext 1
• In Person: During the Festival Box Office in the parking lot behind Honest Ed’s (581 Bloor St W)

Photo of cast of No Permanent Answers by Craig Chambers