In New York City, as with most cities, dinosaurs can mostly be found in museums and libraries.  Their ravenous existence is now just a tale to be told – bones to be examined and gawked at.  But this winter, Clarinda Mac Low and Jordana Che Toback with the assistance of Dance New Amsterdam has resurrected the Paleolithic reptiles in A dinosaur attacks a lighthouse (Scylla and Charybdis), part of DNA’s SPLICE series and the start of DNA’s winter season.

Created in 2010, the SPLICE series is an innovative, creative collaborative endeavor displaying the unique talents of two artists.  Clarinda Mac Low and Jordana Che Toback are both award-winning choreographers with their own distinct methodology to approaching the vocabulary of dance and performance art.  With SPLICE they debut a duel work as well as individual works.

A dinosaur attacks a lighthouse (Scylla and Charybdis) is a satirical, political multimedia performance piece that exposes the complacency that is destroying our democracy – a fact that most of us are afraid to confront.  Dressed in Sarah Palinesque red suits, Mac Low and Che Toback playfully mill around with the rhetoric displayed during most political campaigns – which can compare to a Broadway production.  Through song and dance they create a cheeky think-piece that will have the mind spinning.  Crush the Pearl Part 1, choreographed by Jordana Che Toback, is a platform that explores the power and sensuality of motion.  Clarinda Mac Low’s Double Public Blunder: Monster-us is an intentional journey into calamity.  Performed by Clarinda Mac Low and Michael DiPietro Double Public Blunder is both uncomfortable and entertaining.

Part bondage, Part orgy and part SNL skit, A dinosaur attacks a lighthouse (Scylla and Charybdis) as well as Mac Low and Che Toback’s other pieces were a worthy effort in expanding the dialogue of movement and the effect it can have on those who view it.  It also sets the bar for what should be an engaging, fascinating 2011 at Dance New Amsterdam and proves that DNA is a beacon for New York City artists looking to express themselves without inhibition.

Photos: Paula Lobo