Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad at Ars Nova
Last night was the final night of Ars Nova‘s ANT Fest. The theater sold out for the hilarious dance group, Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad (VIDS). The performers in VIDS have one rule that they simplify for the audience early on with the acronym ABCD… Always Be Constantlly Dancing. They announce that if you follow this rule then there is no way you can hit people, hold a gun or press bomb buttons. They then perform dances to popular songs. What makes them so amusing is their choreography is what you would have come up with in 8th grade. They literally act out the words to the songs. They do this with such conviction and energy that you can’t help but smile and clap by the end of the first number.
I had seen VIDS perform a single number in variety shows at Ars Nova before, but I had never seen an entire hour of their talents, so I was really looking forward to this final ANT show. I was hoping it would just be several dance numbers strung together. VIDS did try to put a small plot in the show, though, mostly having to do with an evil dance troupe that VIDS had to disengage. It was slightly amusing, but I spent most of the plot wishing they would just dance another number.
At the end of the show they inducted the entire audience into the VIDS and even gave us all our own membership card. I am hoping they will win the ANT Fest competition so that they get to perform again at Ars Nova next month. It was a very fun evening and I can’t wait to see VIDS next number!
