HQ Review: Washington University Dance Theatre presents “Something is Happening”
On November 14, 15, and 16th, WashU’s WUDT performed their annual concert, this one entitled Something Is Happening, at Edison Theater. The talented students had the amazing opportunity to work with choreographers Elinor Harrison, Liz Lloyd, David Marchant, Ron K. Brown, and Xi Zhao. The dancers performed in works of many different genres including classical/neoclassical ballet, contemporary, West African and modern dance influences.
The first piece was the premiere of Nocturne for Eight, choreographed by first-year MFA Candidate Liz Lloyd. The piece began with all eight dancers in one line. While dancing in unison it was easy for the audience to recognize the level of trust the dancers had for one another, especially during partnering sections. A beautifully performed adagio trio led us to another group section with a manège. The piece continued beautifully, from fast petite allegro, to bigger grand allegro, all movements shown with enthusiasm. Even while the dancers danced with connections and in unison, they were still able to represent their own individuality.
The next piece was a contemporary premiere entitled Where We Met, choreographed by Xi Zhao in collaboration with dancers and with Lexie Hoehen as an assistant to the choreographer. The piece began with one dancer walking into the stagelight, followed by the other dancers. They all looked up into the light confused, Eventually this feeling turns into frustration when they start bumping into each other, eventually causing them all to fall to the ground. You can tell by this point that there are conflicts within the dancers since it seems almost conversational as they go back and forth. There are moments where you can hear the dancers’ breathing, adding even more emotion to the piece. By the end, the competitiveness turns into trust as the dancers are looking up at the light again, but this time with a feeling of hope.
The third piece was the premiere of Mutternances, choreographed by Elinor Harrison, in collaboration with the dancers. The piece begins with one dancer vibing on stage until the other dancers enter. The dancers are able to portray their emotions with fun gestures and levels. When one dancer mentions the use of stillness, everything freezes, then the dancers start moving towards her. When they are together the girls shout out positive verbs of what the girls that are moving are doing. Eventually the girls express that they are tired. Pillows are thrown at them from the wings. So, they attempt to fall asleep but can't. One dancer walks to the microphone and explains what is going on in that moment. She's holding the microphone, now there is a pillow fight, and so on. One girl notices the dancer speaking and they all mutter words together until they ultimately fall onto their pillows.
Another premiere, Nucleus, was choreographed by Artistic Director of WUDT David Marchant with additional movement materials made by dancers. The piece starts with the dancers in a circle, looking intentionally at one another until the focus shifts to one dancer, who slowly steps away from the group. Throughout the piece, the dancers work together within their interactions, sometimes being lifted up after they fall, other times simply connecting with one another even in the way they walk around each other. Ultimately, this piece gives the audience the opportunity to interpret what physical poetry means to them.
The final piece of the show was Four Corners, choreographed by guest artist Ron K. Brown, Founder and Artistic Director of Evidence. The work was set on WashU students by Arcell Cabuag, and second-year MFA Candidate Christopher J. Salango was the rehearsal director. This piece was commissioned by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2014. It draws from West African and modern dance influences to tell the story of spiritual seekers amid four angels holding the four winds. This piece showed beautiful dynamic changes, with dancers following each other's movements and demonstrating powerful moments of stillness and togetherness. It was amazing to see rehearsal director Christopher J. Salango perform alongside the large cast of dancers.
Overall the dancers in this show demonstrated a tremendous amount of talent as well as commitment to their artistry. It was a privilege to see these beautiful works perform with such power and confidence.
Photos by Carly Vanderheyden