Despite some missteps, Great Gig Dance wows

REVIEW

On stage were at least three candidates for Miss America or maybe a Ralph Lauren modeling job, as the spotlight shone on The Great Gig Dance Ensemble from Kennesaw, Ga.

Of the more than 20 young women in the ensemble, at least one resembled a young Brooke Shields. Amid the beauty and talent, the two male dancers more than held their own, especially young Zachary Everhart, whose mid-air turns and other acrobatic feats provided contrast to the more balletic steps performed by the chorus.

The group performed as part of Piccolo Spoleto's Dance at Noon, coordinated by Robert Ivey from the Footlight Players.

The best was saved for last among the more than 10 numbers largely choreographed by Tammy Everhart, who is director of the large troupe.

The first number, "Ladies and Gentlemen," showed promise, opening inventively with girls in opera hose and red one-piece costumes strolling through the audience shining flashlights on people, in time to the music of Saliva.

They then joined their cohorts on what became a VERY crowded stage. At times arm movements were uncoordinated, and one or two of the dancers bumped into each other. Also, various steps were ill-formed in numbers such as "Little of Your Time" and "Through Glass."

However, this wasn't the case with Michael Buble's "Comin' Home Baby," featuring about a dozen girls in red glitter and lace costumes who not only were in sync, but also truly seemed to relish what they were doing.

Two tap crowd-pleasers were "Hit That Jive, Jack," accompanied by the vocal prowess of Diana Krall, with dancers tapping away in black and gold belted tunics; and "Guys Named Moe," which had dancers wearing black hats and suits, energetically turning steps to beat the band.

The two guys took center stage with "Original Prankster," as Zachary Everhart and Michael Persson, wearing orange inmate jumpsuits, seemed to tap their way out of jail.

Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.