REVIEW: Proximity

True confession: I’ve never seen a Pones show. Until now.

True confession: I’ve never seen a Pones show.

I know.

:::hangs head in shame:::

Pones is a popular dance troupe who’s Fringe shows get rave reviews every year. I always seem to find an excuse not to go. Sometimes its because I heard there was audience participation. (I hate that.) Sometimes its because there was a lot of walking involved. (I’m lazy.) One year it was because the venue was too hot.

Subconsciously, its probably because I don’t feel qualified to write about dance performance.

But this year, there’s no reason why I couldn’t sample it. After all, “walking out” of a digital show in my living room has no consequences. No one would ever know. So, I pushed play, sat back, and watched the performance unfold.

I love Cincinnati. I think its an exquisitely beautiful city, with gorgeous landmarks, exciting landscapes, and dazzling history. PROXIMITY, a dance performance filmed throughout the city, showcases Cincinnati well.

You know those atmospheric videos you can put on in the background? At Christmastime, I’ve used fireplaces but also various “holiday-themed” ones to set the tone while I’ve done other things. That’s what PROXIMITY reminds me of.

The music is haunting, but not particularly melodic. The choreography is basic. The visuals, though, are stunning. I suppose there’s a message; sure there’s supposed to be, right? My takeaway was that even though we’re socially-distancing right now, we’re not that far apart from each other.

Perhaps it’s more sophisticated than that, but I’m no dance critic.

I do think I’ll put the video back on again while I’m writing more reviews. It seems to foster inspiration.

This year’s Cincinnati Fringe Festival is 100% online. Check out cincyfringe.com for all the details!