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AUDIENCE REVIEW: "Dancing for Peace" in Miami Beach

Performance Date:
May 27, 2024

Freeform Review:

On a bright Monday afternoon in the heart of the glorious South Beach of Miami Beach, audiences were swept away with the compelling and emotional art that was created live by New York based dancers, Madelaine Burnett and Tomislav Nevistic.

On July 1st, 2022, Burnett and Nevistic found themselves at South Beach’s famous, Clevelander Hotel, for a night of fun and dancing. The night took a quick turn as gun shots were sound, and chaos erupted within the Clevelander crowd. Burnett mentions that “At first we didn’t realize what people were running from, but the crowds almost seemed accustomed to this type of situation. That in itself is sad and very problematic.” The two took fast cover behind a bar and were fearful of the uncertainty of their future. Police were quick to respond to the scene and local news later reported that the hotel’s bouncer was shot dead by an upset individual who was denied entry to the club.

Burnett and Nevistic were deeply traumatized from being a part of this awful tragedy and were upset to see how gun reform legislation in the United States continues to be undervalued. The dancers decided to turn their pain into action and tell their story through art.

Ticketed audience members lined up outside The Clevelander Hotel and waited to see the work of Burnett and Nevistic. The ravishing duo who were dressed in all white and moved gracefully through air accompanied by Lana Del Ray’s anti-gun inspired song, “Looking for America.” Through their gravity-defying lifts, astonishing technique, and fluidity in their bodies like water, we as audience members felt their pain and passion regarding this epidemic of gun violence. The dancers used their talent to spread awareness to an issue close to home for them.

The city of Miami Beach was lucky to have these brilliant New York dancers come and share their art and grace spectators like myself. “Dance for Peace” was something to not be missed and never forgotten.

Author:
Dance Enthusiast

Website:
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/events/#!/details/dance-for-peace/13524735/2024-05-27T14