After an entire semester of stretching, sweating and rehearsing, the Department of Theatre and Danc presented its 11th annual Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble performance.
The performance, according to director William E. Thomas "turned out well." But judging by the standing ovation received at the end of the show, the dancers did better than just "well."
The performance was located at the Black Box Theatre in the Center for the Arts, where the show sold out its opening-night performance last Thursday.
From the very beginning, it was anticipated as a superb show. The dancers entered the stage exuding an enormous amount of confidence. They continued with this vigor throughout the entire production.
One great part of being an audience member in a smaller theatre like the Black Box is the level of intimacy between the spectators and performers. Eye contact is easily made between the two parties, an element that is often difficult to capture in a larger venue.
The performers were initially able to engage the audience with their sleek, earth-tone costumes along with funky-style dance movements in the first segment called "Rock the Rave." The choreography by Christy Scheppers included both fast and slow rhythm movements. Utilizing only six dancers, the piece was an excellent start to the show because of its versatility.
There was partnering in a variety of the pieces. "From Patti, With Love" along with "Windows" included collaboration between the male and female performers.
The piece that included songs by Patti LaBelle was exceptional when compared to the two major partnering pieces. All of the dancers were in sync with one another's movements. The couples also looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves when performing the piece.
In "Windows," the audience was able to see the romantic side of dance. As the melody of Rodgers' "My Funny Valentine" comprised the piece, the dancers acted out notions of love and lust.
The same enjoyment carried through "Blue Ash." The costumes consisted of street wear, such as short-sleeved T-shirts and Capri pants. The movements in this piece were distinctly allegro, fast and sharp moving. The dancers swayed in one single, powerful motion.
In contrast, "Righteous," choreographed by Sarah Jane Duax, wasn't as collectively developed as the other segments. The dancers didn't dance as a single unit. It looked like each dancer was on his or her own watch when it came down to the timing of the illustration.
"Strength in Numbers" demonstrated how lighting effects have an enormous impact on the fate of a show. In this piece, there were natural sounds of rain and thunder as a background to musical compositions by Lifehouse and Thorpe. Simulated lightning actually flashed in this piece, adding to the authenticity. The dancers wet their hair for effect.
Despite minor mistakes, the Zodiaque Studio Dance Ensemble, sister to Zodiaque Dance Company, proved that their dancing is a fine example of form and grace in performing art.
