By Lisa DiCarlucci
The show began with a whole lot of hooting and hollering from the audience. The Danceworks show is consistently the event each semester that the most students come out to support and are most enthusiastic about. This comes as no surprise because this group pulls out all the stops and throws all of their energy into each number. It’s obvious that they do this because they love it.
The first two songs were a sexy hip hop number with high-contrast lighting, and a slower lyrical number. The show really took flight with the third performance of a remixed version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” choreographed by Danceworks President, Rachel Pieroni. The number was extremely high energy and the dancers show a synchronicity and tightness that surpassed every other number in the show.
“Now you’re one of us, You’re coming with me,” a number choreographed by Samantha Amaral, screamed “sex” as the male dancers were used more as props for the ladies than actual dancers. The dancers showed a lot of confidence and some really explosive dance moves to accompany Ke$ha’s “Blow.”
“All that Jazz” began the second act, which was a nice change to the many hip hop and and lyrical numbers. The dancers did an excellent job of playing the characters as well as keeping the choreography fun and jazzy.
“Your soul must you keep,” choreographed by K.K. Mayo was the most breathtaking of the slow numbers. The dancers looked radiant in pale yellow outfits and their motions seem to embody the rising sun. It was literally like watching the dawn.
Certainly the most fun number of the night was “Taking it back,” choreographed by Chawntel Vega giving a nod to late 80s and early 90s hip hop with the outfits to beat. One dancer with a mini backpack on for the entire number wins the award for best costume.
“I am Folded, and Unfolded and Unfolding,” choreographed by Sarah Parker, brought tears to the graduating seniors’ eyes with a beautiful dance set to “Colorblind” by Counting Crows and a poignant choice of “The Freshman” by Verve Pipe. It was a bittersweet reflection.
If nothing else, this showcase proved why Danceworks is one of Hofstra’s most well-loved clubs on campus. Their talent is unparalleled, they have incredible energy and their shows are completely fierce and fearless.