Can't Stop Now: A Choreographer Validates the Older Dancer

For professional dancers, the age of forty signals the approach of the wall--the Logan's Run-type endtime when leads and even secondary positions are taken by younger dancers. Ironically, as in so many other arts, many dancers feel that maturity brings an artistic depth that enriches their performances, even when the body isn't quite as physically capable. This video documents the rehearsal and performance of the Netherlands Dance Theater III, a troupe formed by choreographer Jiri Kylian specifically for dancers who, while older, are certainly not past their prime. In their younger days, these dancers (including Karen Kain, Gary Cryst, Jeanne Solan, and Jerome Robbins) were among the best in the world, and it clearly pains them that age has limited their outlets for artistic expression. Although the dancers seen here are still in amazing physical shape by most yardsticks, they do talk about differences in their bodies (mainly the creaks and aches), as well as changes in their outlooks. One dancer points out that when she was younger, the focus was on proving herself, whereas now, it's all about the art. An engaging affirmation, Can't Stop Now reminds us that, in the words of Saffire, of the Uppity Blues Women (a retirement-aged trio), "age ain't nothin' but a number." Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)