Music isn't always necessary in order to dance or enhance a performance. Silence can speak volumes, and this was shown flawlessly by the UB Dance Department.
Last Friday, the Black Box Theatre in the Center For the Arts filled quickly for the UB Dance Department's annual Digital Poetry Show.The audience, which contained dancers' family and friends, was eye level with the stage and helped to create a sense of intimacy between performers and audience members.
A combination of poetry, silence and well-orchestrated music was performed as the choreography told intimate stories of despair, courage, love and hope.
Before each performance, the theater became silent with anticipation. The absolute silence contributed to each routine as it enabled the audience to hear every detail of the performance, down to the squeak of a dancer's dragging foot. Even the dancers' breathing was audible, a factor which played a huge part in the dances.
"The [choreographer is] really into natural breathing, and if you feel like you have to breathe, it's better to breathe out loud so everyone can hear it," said Stephanie Ohman, asophomore communication and dance major.
The dancers made splits, jumps and tricks look effortless. The satisfied reaction of the crowd seemed to help the dancers and make them feel more comfortable, according to Jen Apter, a sophomore dance and math major
"I was actually shocked it was a full house," Apter said. "It's much easier to perform when a lot of people are there rather than just a few. Last year, there weren't as many [people], so it was pretty fun."
Each performance held its own story with its own strong points, but some stood out more than others.
"Fixation,"choreographed by junior dance and math major Taylor Lipsey, was particularly striking. The dance was set to flashing lights and a prerecorded narrative, which blended in a manner that made the performance eerie and captivating. When the lights came back on at the end of the dance, some members of the audience were leaning forward in their seats, completely engaged.
"The inspiration behind my dance was basically representing the past and how something is always holding you back, but some things are always taking you towards it, as well," Lipsey said.
It was obvious to all in the audience the dancers rehearsed profusely for this performance. Their passion for their work and their sense of professionalism was visible on their faces while they danced. Even though some of the dancers admitted to some slip-ups, the performances appeared to be perfectly executed.
The UB Dance Department's next performance will be at the Zodiaque Dance Company show the weekends of Feb. 23 and March 1 at the CFA.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
