Company: Armondo Decoy Munoz
Choreographer: Armondo Decoy Munoz
Performer: Decoy
Surprisingly, given the popularity of “street” dance forms, there were no other companies or performers in this category at the Arizona Dance Festival. This was probably just as well for them because no one had to follow or compare themselves to Decoy. He is a singular talent.
Decoy’s performance is hard to categorize because he is so fluid with this styles. Without formal training, he has absorbed various movement for its own sake from multiple sources and incorporated it seamlessly into what he does. A movement can start out with a graceful motion typical of modern dance, collide with a robotic sequence that seems directed from a source totally removed from him, and transition to an introspective sequence where he tugs his clothing, consumed with emotion.
These transitions are rapid-fire, seamless and so varied that the audience never knows what’s coming next. He has moments of great sensitivity juxtaposed to movements requiring great dexterity. Decoy has one of the best head-rolls I’ve seen. He can bend his torso horizontally to the audience and from that straight-on perspective, roll his shoulders while keeping his head absolutely stationary. It’s bizarre, amazing and absolutely memorable.
Beyond the exceptional physicality, Decoy connects with the audience because he never loses his connection to himself. He internalizes every motion, every sequence and the emotions associated with each flow continuously across his face. To watch him is to experience his state of mind, moment by moment.
I was blown away by Decoy in a previous performance. As good as he was, I predicted he would only get better – and he has. Armondo “Decoy” Munoz is a terrific talent that, fortunately for us, is still evolving.
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