Garth Fagan Dance Review @ Ohio Theatre 2/25 The Garth Fagan Dance performance had much to offer the eager audience. Clever choreography executed by gifted dancers who were both graceful and athletic (even the female dancers sported six packs and biceps that would make any guy jealous).

Apt, engaging musical selections: jazz ranging from a flavorful, Caribbean medley to emotive contemporary violin compositions and a rousing version of I’ll Take You There; a jaunty ragtime number; and a moving classical piece.

Skillful dancers. We were extremely impressed with the abilities of his dancers and were even more amazed to learn that some have danced with Fagan for 15 to 30 plus years; including Norwood Pennewell, Steve Humphrey and Sharon Skepple. Yet apparently, they just improve with time. The Fagan Style incorporates ballet, modern dance, and Afro-Caribbean dance moves; while difficult to master, it does not wreak havoc upon the bodies of his dancers. The dancers executed their moves deftly – from quick spins that alternately reversed direction across the stage to impressive extensions and lively leaps (I am still trying to replicate the "spinal snake" move – definitely not for everyone.)

The dances told poignant, life-changing stories, exhibiting Mr. Fagan’s affable sense of humor, and celebrated sensuality and the advent of the contemporary woman. His female dancers leapt across the stage with the vivaciousness and height often afforded only to male dancers. Mr. Fagan told the audience afterward that modern women are CEOs and business women; they are not waiting around for a man to come and lift them up. Yet one more reason to love Garth Fagan, and his company of dancers, all of whom graciously greeted audience members after the post-performance discussion.

The passion Garth Fagan feels for life and dance is apparent in every step his dancers take. His dancers’ respect and admiration for him was apparent as they listened to him speak with the same rapt attention and joy experienced by the audience. The dance pieces staged range from his earlier efforts (Prelude) to his most recent pieces (Life: Dark/Light). Fagan told the audience that he knows there are ways to improve his earlier compositions – but he doesn’t want to. They are an accurate representation of where he and his company were at that time and he never wants to forget that. Neither do we.

From Cool Cleveland Contributor Roxanne Ravenel RoxanneAtCoolCleveland.com (:divend:)