"[Jennifer Backhaus] picks the perfect music, and she’s got a great sense of humor. At least, one could assume so, based on this example of her work. But as far as choreography goes – did anyone really set this piece? These dancers flow as naturally as a spring of water, and they do it amongst a room full of chairs. Ms. McIvor has transformed her simple, wooden chairs into something like a partner, a shadow, a weapon - and every dancer has one. The dancers’ relationship to their chairs defines them. The chair poses fundamental questions, like: shall we live together or not? Shall we notice these others? Shall we watch or participate? The use of side lighting and the pale, nuanced backdrop are as exquisite as a summer’s day, but when summer’s gone, when the dancers have died and gone to heaven, they might expect God to ask them: How well, how soundlessly, how generously did you move with your chair?" "Orange’s Backhausdance troupe has a spirit like a willow tree" "[Backhausdance] demonstrates an awesome unity, even when they differentiate in movement – so that they remain cohesive, like the parts of an atom or a planetary system. Indeed, audience members may feel as if they have witnessed a cosmic event, or the hidden machinations of the universe, as the Backhaus dancers perform with authority, and without the overt expression of human joy, sorrow and coquetry that often dominate the modern medium. Disintegration may be something like destiny in the respective mise en scene – and in the future success of this promising, young company."
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