REVIEW: I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone
I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone is a contemporary dance development that shows us everyone can dance. A lively and enjoyable performance where the feeling of joy is present at all times. I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone uses contemporary dance in conjunction with interdisciplinary mediums of spoken word, music, improvisation to explore ideas of community, intergenerational dynamics, and empowering the inner child. With an all Asian cast of 12 dancers (from a range of dance backgrounds), the performance deconstructs ideas of perfectionism in the dance industry and creates a show that celebrates connection and the joy of just having fun.
After seeing some of the rehearsal process, I was delighted to see how the ethos behind I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone transferred to a stage setting. The stage is a scary place, and I know this was the first time many of the cast members had performed before. However, the dancers were all so clearly enjoying themselves, moving with a freedom and grace that only comes with true comfort.
Cindy’s community-led practice is evident in the way the cast were able to feel so safe and relaxed in each other’s presence. I was astounded by the way the cast, from such a diverse range of dance backgrounds, were able to perform with such comfort in front of an audience; it really shows us how empowering a strong community can be, making us feel understood, protected, and not alone.
Brought together by Glo’s amazing costuming, I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone invites us into a whimsical and imaginative world. Cindy does away with the concepts of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ dancing and focuses solely on enjoyment - on the joy of movement. I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone emphasizes the importance of engaging with your inner child. The playful energy and, often, mischievous faces of the cast harken back to the confidence of childhood. I love how this performance felt like an escape from everyday monotony. We are asked to take a break from competition and perfectionism, and to simply enjoy. It also carried a sense of nostalgia; of dressing up and making up stories and playing with your friends.
However, the sense of play and child-like energy never distracts from the story of I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone. The structure and narrative drive of the show are always clear, even for someone who is not well versed in contemporary dance, like myself. Each movement felt purposeful and I was never confused or lost. The ideas of intergenerational dynamics and culture are woven throughout the show in a myriad of ways. Each multidisciplinary medium echoes back to these core themes that are being explored. I loved the mirroring of movements, symbolic of what is being passed down through the generations. A standout moment for me is when Elsa Li is being dressed, in royal fashion, by other cast members. While she sits, other dancers delicately place jewelry on her, lacing up a ruffled collar and fixing her sleeves. It was so evocative of the beauty of our ancestry and generational knowledge. The tenderness of this scene was really emotional for me.
The music in particular added another dimension to I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone. The original score by Rewind Fields, with some collaboration and singing by Cindy, was so ethereal and nostalgic. It created a fantastical backdrop for the performance, playing into the child-like wonder of the choreography and costumes. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the music was never just an afterthought for the dancers; it was an integral part of their emotion and movement and purpose. The emotion of a scene was altered with a change in beat or tone. The dreamy sensibilities of Rewind Fields was a perfect choice for I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone that really tied the show together.
I could tell the performance was a true success when I could see the cast members smiling at each other. It was so clear that this was fun. Not stressful, not rooted in perfectionism, not uncomfortable, but fun! Everyone moved with a relaxed fluidity that is only possible when you're truly relaxed and enjoying yourself. No one was tense. I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone is a true display of community-led performance and shows how dance can be an accessible form of creative output. Everyone was lifting each other up, giving little smiles and words of encouragement where needed. The atmosphere was buzzing with positive energy.
I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone creates a dance community that is truly inclusive and accessible. Taking away the discomfort, perfectionism, and competitiveness of many dance (and arts) industries, Cindy reminds us of the ways dance and connection can create so much joy. This performance fills a gap that our communities are craving. I had no clue there was such an audience for community contemporary dance, but after watching I Don’t Wanna Dance Alone, I understand its importance. The impact, engagement, and pure joy within this performance was so liberating, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next. ■
Facilitated by: Cindy Yunha Jang-Barlow and choreographed with the performers
Original soundtrack by: Rewind Fields