'Aeros': Aiming for Art, But Missing the Leap

At scarcely an hour, "Aeros" felt too long by half -- because when it comes right down to it, somersaults just aren't that interesting.

There is no denying the wow factor of the other moves on view -- the backflips, handsprings and handstands, performed by the energetic athletes from the Romanian Gymnastics Federation. But though this show dreamed up by the producers of "Stomp" aimed to turn gymnasts into artists, leaning on the talents of crowd-pleasing choreographers Daniel Ezralow, David Parsons and Moses Pendleton, it achieved little beyond a repetitive display of well-lighted acrobatic tricks.

The most imaginative moments of this event, performed over the weekend at the Warner Theatre, came early: pairs of gymnasts turning back walkovers in such unreal unison it looked like double vision; a projection of blue sky on a scrim, with an airborne gymnast behind it appearing to soar through clouds. The scrim effect was used repeatedly, with other performers seeming to plunge through water and roll among big flowers. But some routines were squarely ho-hum: a protracted display of sit-ups and push-ups, for instance, or swinging jump-ropes aglow under black lights. The soundtrack helped not a bit, with its run-of-the-mill electro-goop, often pounding and rasping at an uncomfortable volume.

The production did point out, unintentionally, the difference between athletes and artists. If nothing else, it demonstrated the fact that no amount of music, choreography or lighting effects are going to turn the former into the latter. Still, the evening felt like a missed opportunity. Surely Ezralow and Parsons, who have a strong feel for what's easily digestible and eye-catching, and Pendleton, a founder of the popular Pilobolus, could have done better.

There is something to be said for the immediate pleasures of larger-than-life physicality in an entertaining, family-friendly format. But higher-quality options abound. Those seeking an energizing and accessible display of the body beautiful ought to consider the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, performing later this month, or the Washington Ballet's April engagement.

Perhaps the greatest marvel of the evening was that "Aeros" came to us through the Washington Performing Arts Society. The organization that as of a few seasons ago was delivering a full calendar of classy, cutting-edge and out-of-the-ordinary work (by Elizabeth Streb, known for her hard-hitting but artful use of gymnastics, as well as by Mikhail Baryshnikov's White Oak Dance Company and others) has whittled its current dance programming down to the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, a couple of local troupes and this. Now that's a backward move to get your attention.