"And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in all the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this is what I must fight against: any idea, religion or government which limits or destroys the individual."
-John Steinbeck, author and Nobel Prize winner.

David Parsons's signature work of choreography "Caught" was presented on September 29, 2006 at E.J. Thomas Hall as part of a full evening of the David Parsons Dance Company repertoire performance. "Caught" uniquely captures the Parsons style by incorporating athletic movement, strong stage lighting and an open door for individual interpretation. As a single dancer appears in and out of a moving spotlight, and later a strobe light, his movements are caught in mid-flight. The work is both unusual and breathtaking.

There was a very visible struggle and physical demand exerted by the male soloist in "Caught." His lungs moved heavily as he worked to create a dynamic contrast between extreme athleticism and perfect stillness. He moved with lightning precision and speed to hit is spotlights in perfect time. During the climax of the piece, the dancer performed several series of jumps around the stage during a strobe lighting effect, creating an effortless illusion of frozen movement.

"Caught" is about the struggle for human freedom. The pools of light created on stage can represent a range of restrictions that include religion, government, family, ideals and social norms. The light represents the moments in time when other people see us through these "lenses." For only an instant, others can see us, but in the darkness and the shadows, there is a lifetime of struggle, movement and energy.

As the author Steinbeck said, the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes is worth fighting for. To be released from social boundaries and restrictions is the ultimate freedom. We are all "caught" in moments of time that keep us inside society's boxes. We are caught in identities beyond our true selves. Our minds, bodies and spirits aim to break free from these moments and soar. Parsons's "Caught" tells the human story of desire in a culture of control, perception and conformity.

"Caught" has been in the Parsons repertoire since 1982.