Thomas Shields
In Motion Staff Writer
Lisa Silversmith/In Motion
Good quality is always notable and those who see it want everyone to know about it. That is even truer when witnessing a moving, high caliber performance. All these qualities describe the “Dancescapes” showcase performed by the DSC Dance Theatre in April.
The beautiful, elegant and eloquent performance was greatly appreciated by the 100 or so audience members who applauded enthusiastically between every set performed during the hour-long recital.
Well-choreographed and rehearsed, the showcase was full of emotion: sensual, strong, feminine, vigorous and classy. “Dancescapes” offered a powerful performance that exuded through every fiber of their being. The opening sequence set the atmosphere for the evening with the color lights softly dimming in the back drop. It was an ocean of colors with a silhouetted dancers prancing across stage.
The piece was a prelude to what would ensue for the rest of the night. A majority of the dances were done in a silhouette that relayed emotions more clearly and bluntly. Such artistic communication enticed the crowd throughout the show. Dancers had magnificent body control in their storytelling. There was notable unity while dancing with one another and the fluidity among all on every sequence was on point. Dancers were in unison and their feet were light gliding across the stage. In fact, there were moments of profoundness that were inspiring.
Elongated skirts flowed and twirled at every movement adding to the aesthetics. The women and the sole male in the troupe did a splendid job telling their stories through music and dance. Their appendages were their voice, the mouthpiece of their passions and spirit. During the solo portions of the night, observers couldn’t help but stare in amazement at the quality of dance.
There were many notable performances throughout the night. After the show, many observers commented that the two top presentations were “Cuts” and “Pearls.” The first was a three-part performance about two sparring people in a turbulent relationship. Again, it was silhouetted with harmonious music that highlighted their situation. It was done so beautifully well that anyone could feel the struggle and angst of the couple. During portions of the piece, each one of the dancers gave a solo leaving no doubt what that individual’s problem was. Spotlight and shadows complemented the story well. A variety of dancers appeared in the “Cuts” segment and all were spectacular.
“Pearls” performed by De’Nasia Grayson, Jessica Luck and Shari Touchstone, was a showstopper and tear jerker. “Pearls” by Sade set the tone. The trio embodied the lyrical song to a tee in a wonderful display of communication through their sweet, swaying movements. After the routine was done, there was noticeable sniffling around the house, a testament to how well these skillful dancers related the story and tapped into audience emotions.
“Spectacular! Absolutely spectacular!” exclaimed Giovanni Maxi, who was in attendance. “These girls performed very well. They moved and grooved in ways I never expected.”
He summed up what many thought and felt.
After the curtain call, Dance Theatre member Kendall Krivich who performed in five sets said, “Overall the performance went very well and smooth. We all worked hard on this, not just this semester, but all year long. Multiplying and combining different dances can be tiring, but we made it look clean and neat.”
This semester’s edition of “Dancescapes” was an absolute thrill to watch. In addition to the student performers, kudos also goes to artistic director/choreographer Kevin Viega, choreographers/adjunct instructors Kristin Polizzi and Carla Lester, as well as Mary Love Ward and Amber Reininger.