Cirque Eloize iD at Foxwoods impresses

We went in thinking that the Cirque Eloize show "iD" at Foxwoods Resort Casino would be the weaker of the two long-run shows this summer. July's "The Supernaturals" entertained a month's worth of audiences with flash, tricks and the guiding video image of popular illusionist Cris Angel.
But the Cirque Eloize show is right up there in entertainment value -- and even wins in terms of physical prowess and skilled acrobatic routines. (Not that it's a competition between shows, but two summer shows at the same casino are a competition for visitors' dollars and time.)
Cirque's skilled and inventive team manages to create routines that inspire wonder with their catchy, pounding music and startlingly good dance moves. Fans of modern dance should be very pleased.
These generally outstanding performers inspire awe in a fast-moving show that also has its tender moments of athletic beauty.
Moves by some of these agile athletes are other-wordly at times (especially one double-jointed young woman who bends backward impossibly). Those moments take on the look of a computer-generated film graphic instead of live performance, in a good way since it is live. And there are times of clenched-jaw concern by the audience, when the daring bicycle rider is scaling a tall, boxy set piece by simply rocking back and forth and peddling and balancing. Or when a number of other tricks are performed on trampoline, rollerblades or tall pole.
The show features a "West Side Story" theme, but you never get much of a Cirque story line in these shows; 
it's there for rough inspiration in the various routines. Performances continue through Aug. 30; tickets are $30 for kids, $40-$80 for adults. See www.foxwoods.com.