By Lisa DiCarlucci
The Hofstra University Spring Dance Concert began as an odd take on modern dance, but continued with grace, artistic presence and even some social commentary. Emotional performances, combined with powerful music made this show a success.
The show began in an odd fashion with a piece that lacked music and, at many points, seemed to lack sense. It could be described as a giant, silentpillow fight, except change the pillows to mattresses, and instead of being playful, the dancers seemed to trap each other inside the mattresses. There were also images of children being projected onto a collapsing screen which helped establish the theme of this piece, entitled “Coming of Age.” The dance was obviously about self discovery as the performers yelled in frustration about dealing with their adolescent emotions as they moved sporadically. In other instances, the piece was just confusing, and though it made for an interesting performing-arts piece, it was certainly no way to begin a dance show.
Expectations were heightened though as the concert continued. The following two pieces, “Liminal Waters” and “Galaxies” were much more surreal but also powerful. The music highly complimented the emotions conveyed by the dancers.
In “Liminal Waters,” the dancing was strong, especially in moments where the dancers seemed to be convulsing as though something were invading their bodies from a negative force. The scenic effects of bringing down metal, cage-like flies from above gave a sense of entrapment and provided an almost frightening effect, which added suspense as the audience didn’t quite know what would happen. The piece closed with dancers crawling out in the audience for a chilling effect.
“Galaxies,” though a visually appealing piece, would have been a more enjoyable experience if the volume of the music hadn’t nearly blown out several ear drums. While it was understandable that the loudness was meant to convey the enormity and grandeur of the universe, as well as a robust godliness, but it was not worth blasting out the audience. It is hard to appreciate dance when the circumstances are less than desirable. The dancers, however, did provide an extremely controlled and tenacious performance.
The middle piece, “Canto/Pianto,” showed excerpts from the larger piece, was classic in nature and beautiful. It stands in the shadows of the final two pieces though, which were unique and unexpected in a good way.
“American Redux” was unlike anything you would expect from a dance concert. The performers entered in walking, some on the shoulders of others and one with a megaphone warning that the game was about to begin. He asked everyone to take out their cell phones and open the camera tools. Confused but excited, the audience complied. The “game” involved dancers instructing other blind-folded dancers how to move. The audience was asked to take pictures and was even encouraged to upload them to Facebook. It was fun, but also had messages about American society which made the piece comprehensive.
The concert ended with a tap number which was unexpected amidst a heavily modern program, but also an uplifting way to end the show. The on-stage drum music provided by University students created an impactful number with highly talented tappers.