'An Evening of Dance' reverberates with audience
The Division of Performing Arts held its annual Evening of Dance with the assistance of the Marlin Miller Guest Artist, Ishmael Houston-Jones. Houston-Jones, a dancer-choreographer based in New York City, created an original work entitled "(un)Cover(s)" with a few AU dance students. The event also included pieces by Robert Bingham, Acting Director of the Dance Program, as well as student choreographers.
An Evening of Dance held an atmosphere of artistic lighting provided by Fereshteh Rostampour and modern techno or electronic rhythms for most of the pieces.
“I thought it was totally delightful; the points of view of all the choreographers were all very distinct and the performing was very strong,” said Bingham.
Whether it involved rolling in neon "clouds," uttering random French chatter, or wearing conjoined red unitards, each performer embodied his or her character with an ease of familiarity.
“I thought a lot of the students brought something new to the table," said senior T.J. Samuels. "There was a lot of vocalization in the works. It pushed theatre to be less dramatized and more emotional.”
T.J. choreographed a piece entitled "re-ver-ber-ate," which was the opening performance. “I was inspired by the Weed Whacker line. Many times in society we miss the beauty around us. There are still beautiful things that surround us.”
With the help of senior Sondra Perry, Samuels presented his work with a “glitchy sound quality [which] seemed to lack a steady rhythm.” This heightened Samuels’ desire to fabricate an industrialized era and show its impact on society in his dance.
Samuels sought out ideas from his dancers.
“I gave them the opportunity to give me feedback," He said. "We really became a team. I really can’t call it my piece; it became our piece collectively.”
Bingham also emphasized the significance of teamwork.
“The ensemble was important," he said, "that they were seen as individuals but are connected together as an ensemble.”
This led to an exquisitely memorable performance.
If you missed this event, be sure to check out performers such as Mexico-based Diego Piñon and Jody Oberfelder and Company this April.
