In Vieja Ciudad de Hierro, with music by Rodrigo Gonzales & Maldita Vecindad, Benjamin Briones, a choreographer who is making a name for himself, showed a unique vision. He captured the drama her experienced during his youth on the streets of Mexico, when he struggled to claim territory to sell car parts among street toughs in an impoverished neighborhood. In a series of vignettes, Briones emphasizes the themes of love, sex, money and violence and how they either mesh or come into conflict. Ms. Verduzco, who danced this number, appeared in a red dress, with a red flower in her flowing hair, and danced enticingly. This was followed by various comings together—of men, women, in couple and in groups, and even a little Samba number in the middle. There was some pretty choreography to be seen, along with nice lifts and good partnering by Frederick Davis, an expressive dancer, whom, it would seem, has as yet untapped talents lying beneath the surface of a strong and expansive presence. The impression of the entire number was one that emphasized the vibrancy, calm, passion, and energy of life in Mexico at the time
Nadine Lavi (Forum Artistico)2009
