Jaimie Goodwin and the Shaping Sound Dance Company delivered a phenomenal performance at Kansas City’s Midland Theatre! (Photo courtesy of Shaping Sound Dance Company & property of Break the Floor Productions)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Three years ago, I heard about a new revolutionary dance company that was going to take this country (and the world) by storm!
Four of my generation’s premier dancers: Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson founded Shaping Sound Dance Company and set their sights on reimagining the art of dance. This superb group of innovators is backed by a diverse group of impeccable contemporary dancers and has entertained audiences around the country with their electrifying routines.
The two-act show is divided into 13 pieces that perfectly showcase the entire emotional spectrum. From the hectic “Broken in Chaos” to the nightmarish “Darkness,” the company was able to brilliantly tug at the audience’s heartstrings!
Of all the routines that were showcased, there were three powerful show-stopping pieces. The “Rouge Lounge” transported the audience to the world of yesteryear, where Bob Fosse’s Chicago, Michael Kidd’s Guys & Dolls and Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” all intersected in one harmonious performance.
Next, the Shaping Sound men collaborated on a high octane and mesmerizing approach to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” that would make not only Adam Lambert, Brian May and Roger Taylor proud, but I think they would have made Freddie Mercury smile.
Finally, in a second act that mostly relied on wicked deeds, evil thoughts and lust-like temptations, Travis and his fellow So You Think You Can Dance alum (and Season 10’s America’s favorite female dancer) Amy Yakima delivered a brilliant duo-turned-octet. Their graceful and congruent movements brought hope back into the act.
Each Shaping Sound company member brought something different to the performance. Audience members could not take their eyes off of Travis Wall or Kyle Robinson whenever they were on stage. Nick Lazzarini brilliantly shined as the magical ringmaster of the group as his solos in “Between Sleep” and “Sudden Drip” put smiles onto the audience members’ faces. Meanwhile, Jaimie Goodwin captivated the audience with her elegant movements and splendid chemistry with Teddy Forance as they took their characters’ love to new heights.
Another crucial element to the success of the show was the music. The tracks that the group selected successfully not only left their audiences in a trance, but also brought their imaginations to life.
Final thoughts & grade: If you only see one dance show this year, it should be Shaping Sound Dance Company’s Dance Reimagined! The company will take you on a spectacular journey that captures all ends of the emotional spectrum. You will laugh, cry and cheer throughout the two acts and it is worth every penny! A+++
To find out if the tour is visiting your town, visit the Shaping Sound Dance Company website!
You can also connect with them on social media by visiting their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube pages
