Joel Myers was trained in classical dance and modern dance entirely on scholarship in a studio in Auburn. Kinetically gifted from an early age, Myers was first attracted to martial arts as a means of disciplining his body to function at higher levels of majesty and grace. Now somewhat of a pacifist, his training hardened abdomen was brought into its manhood by the lifting of ballerinas as opposed to the absorption of karate kicks.



Currently Myers dances in Seattle for Spectrum Dance Theater, but having recently hosted and authored his third feature length show in Tacoma, the Joel Show III, his career as a choreographer is beginning to show definite promise. 



In the Joel Show III last Saturday at Annie Wright in Tacoma, Myers chose, among others, some familiar songs from takk ... the latest Sigur Ros Album. I already loved the music so perhaps I am biased, but I swear I have never heard it so well as when it was illustrated on the human body, and then again on a body of human bodies. During one of the swelling crescendos that I appreciate so much about this particular brand of Icelandic music; all 12 or so of the dancers on stage were facing the audience and jumping in time to the throbbing climactic top chord. Chills covered my body, and I had the sensation that something awesome was happening to me, like I just earned eight Olympic medals or solved the energy crisis like Paris Hilton.



Honestly it’s hard to move me. I think I speak for most of us when I say that we’ve seen it all before. Whether in movies or on television or in the shock value of early glam, it’s hard to get a rise out of us. There is little that has any true emotional pull on my psyche that I don’t immediately associate with being swindled out of my money. In this case, Myers’ talks at the beginning of each act come off so genuine and so humbly sincere that I  was able to relax into the enjoyment of a well crafted piece of art.



Three months previous to this show he hosted what he calls a “workshop,” that is ultimately the preparation period for the compelling performance I witnessed Saturday. 



Myers is a Tacoma urban pioneer because he has found out how to take what he loves and shape it in a way that not only promotes his own talent but also cultivates the talents of young dancers who, as he introduced them after the show, are taking jobs in the dance industry all over America.



Outside of dancing for professional companies and creating his own choreography, Myers teaches all types of dance; one on one, and classes of all ages, skills, and sizes. You can reach him at 253.273.4019 for more information.