Big Range Dance Festival, Program D, June 16, 2005, Barnevelder Theater

I'm writing this from the 38th floor of the Sheraton in New Orleans. My room has a floor-to-ceiling window with a spectacular view of the river and some bridge I don't know the name of. I wonder from how many other downtowns in America you can see the flare of a refinery. (Ah, Louisiana.) The view is mesmerizing, and I find myself compelled to look at it and think about my life. Which, let's face it, makes writing this review seem less important. Also, this performance has passed the statute of limitations for writing a real review; I figure if I haven't gotten to it in a week, I probably won't ever. So, since food is such a big deal in New Orleans, I'm going to write this like a menu.

Rebecca Valls's Facade: Four dancers perform three sections to music with two creators; if you like spoken poetry combined with music, you'll love this three-course meal performed to the work of Dame Edith Sitwell and Sir William Walton.

Erin Reck's Let Me Fall: A duet for two women, one supporting the other both emotionally and physically. Danced with flair by Bonnie Boykin and Ms. Reck. Erin Reck's Ashes to Ashes: A tasty duet for Lindsey McGill and Joe Modlin. Ingenious use of table and chairs as ingredients. Who knew Joe could fit on a table that small by himself, much less with Lindsey? The excellent chemistry between the two creates a story without a storyline.

Leslie Scates's A Bun Dance: Left in the oven too long, or not long enough? What's the point of improvisation in performance? Assuming the audience only sees the dance once, they only knows if it's improvised if you tell them. That said, good energy at the end between JoDee Engle and Julie Fox might be missing in preset choreography.

Jane Weiner's 'S (A Tale of Possession): High heels are ironic on Penny Tschirhart when she dances with Joe Modlin. Sounds and snippets of song combine to make a gumbo of sound. For good measure, the voice of the automated checkout at Kroger is included. "If you have any coupons, please scan them now."

Mark Dendy's Night Moves: Jane Weiner turns a rainbow of flavors into a powerful performance. Suprisingly touching, although it could be 1/3 shorter without losing the effect.

Jane Weiner's The Cooking Show: Take one part flour, one part singer, and nine parts dancers; combine. The excerpts shown here will whet your appetite for the full performance to be staged later this year.