Part 2 was On Holiday danced by four couples expressing 4 stages of love, including love-hate relationship. Each couple embodied the lyrics of Billie Holiday. The show continued with a fun and lively Moody Booty Blues where the dancers danced with grounded movement and soulful rhythm. Next one was Rise, which was choreographed to various songs by U2, opens with the song 'The Streets Have No Name' and one man running in the spotlight. High impact choreography plus high impact songs with strong words and music. So far, the show was amazing and over-over-satisfying for me. All the performers were well-muscled and well-trained displaying their enjoyment of pushing the physical boundaries. They move flawlessly and dynamically; and the choreography was full of complexity, showing the amazing talent of Dwight Rhoden.
I kept watching all the acts, with only 1 intermission, in a dreamlike state until I was caught by surprise with the sound of a mevlut... very familiar type of a muslim prayer in combination with musical tune. This one was performed by a very soft and skilled voice. So, the act Mercy starts with 'eşhedü en la ilahe illallah...'. Male and female dancers enter the stage, moving individually, expressing a sense of balance and serenity. Women have white strapless bodysuits on; men have nothing on their gorgeous torsos, only fluid white transparent pants below. What a scene: such extreme beauty and such an unexpected sound. I couldn't stop thinking 'what a paradox: Here in the States, one can watch almost naked bodies moving in harmony with a prayer and admire the creation of human body capable of shaping itself in amazing ways. Whereas, in Muslim countries it would be considered an attack to holy religion where naked bodies considered sinful let alone dancing to prayers. It wouldn't be illegal but I'm sure some groups would do anything to stop such an artform.
