Dance companies fell into rhythm effortlessly in 'Jazz on Tap'

Last September, two dance companies — Hatch Dance and HoneyWorks — took over a covered parking lot outside the Lab Brewery and offered a thrilling sight with "Live at the Shed."

The outdoor space in St. Paul was back in action again last weekend, when two dance companies — Rhythmically Speaking and Keane Sense of Rhythm — held their own set of rotating performances for "Jazz on Tap."

COVID-19 protocols were a bit looser for "Jazz on Tap" than for "Live at the Shed," and a more relaxed atmosphere reflected a changing landscape as more people get vaccinated. There were fewer masks and no temperature checks.

Rhythmically Speaking's "The Cohort: 20/21" began with the first movement of "Suite Standards" by artistic director Erinn Liebhard, three of which were interspersed throughout the program.

Liebhard showed a remarkable sense of flow through the space, given rehearsals started out on Zoom. The second movement was set to the jazz standard "Footprints" by Wayne Shorter, played by a live band. It had a slinky sensibility. The dancers moved with ease in and out of formation, propelling turns with their loose hips, then unwinding into long stretches and big kicks.

Like the performance last September, "Jazz on Tap" mostly lacked physical contact. It was especially noticeable in New York-based choreographer Dougie Robbins' "Scat Cats," performed to music by Ella Fitzgerald. When dancer John Surber spun Kelli Miles, or when Nieya Amezquita and Doug Hooker reached their hands toward each other and leaned back, as if holding each other's weight, Robbins managed to create the illusion of partnered moves.

Tennessee-based Ayo Walker's "The Boom Boom Room in Tunisia" felt jubilant. The ensemble showed an adeptness at executing shifts in body rhythms and direction, with fast-paced undulations and a few Charlestons thrown in for good measure.

The audiences watched the film on their phones, while a live band also played the soundtrack, creating a rather disjointed experience of the meditative work.

In Keane Sense of Rhythm's program, the company performed alongside choreographer in-residence Davon Suttles, whose charisma and skill were a joy to watch. KSR's Youth Tap Ensemble also performed, closing out the evening with an improv jam session.

It was a joyful ending, and reflected the celebratory nature that both of the shows held.