HQ Review: Webster’s New Works Concert
On November 6th through the 7th, Webster University's dance department performed original choreography at their annual New Works Concert. The talented BFA students learned challenging choreography from both alumni and faculty, with styles such as jazz, contemporary, and modern being highlights of the show.
The first act started off with a dance titled Metamorphose, choreographed by alumni Chrissy Clair and the cast. Clair, now a member of Resilience Dance Company, started off this unique piece by piling the dancers on top of one another almost as if they were in a clump, ready to hatch into their own movements. The dancers also began to shake on stage, which captivated the audience members and played into the themes of transformation. The piece ran for about eleven minutes with all of the dancers executing fast-paced movements and partnered sequences–an impressive display of stamina and memory. All of the dancers bowed at the end of each piece, with the audience standing and applauding for the dancers’ dedication and exquisite commitment to performance.
The second dance of the evening was a contemporary ballet piece choreographed by Robert Poe. Poe is the co-founder of Ballet 314 and has created numerous works in and around St. Louis for companies such as St. Louis Ballet and the St. Louis Opera Theater. The piece titled Ombra Mai Fu was set to a mix of classical music with Bach being one of the focal points. All five of the dancers on stage flawlessly executed intricate footwork, solos, and partnering routines. One of the partnered sections consisted of unique lifts not so typically seen in classical ballet, making it all the more captivating to watch. All of the dancers maintained their beautiful extensions and technique despite the upbeat and lively pace of the music.
The final dance of the first act was an electric closing number titled Boggie State of Mind, choreographed by Gretchen Stanton in collaboration with the dancers. Teased hair, glittery tops, and bell-bottom pants danced their way onto stage with upbeat music by Donna Summer, Anita Ward, and The Trammps. The dancers kicked towards the ceiling and moved through highly technical patterns; the audience's eyes darted around to absorb every flash of color. It felt almost as if disco balls were to drop from the ceiling. Each and every one of the dancers lit up the stage with their electrifying energy, making it a truly memorable piece to close the first act.
The second act started off with a solo choreographed by Xi Zhao. Zhao is internationally renowned for her contemporary works and is currently also staging a piece for Washington University in St. Louis’ dance department. The abstract solo starts with the dancer violently thrashing and shaking on stage to the sound of electric computer noises. The music slowly transitions into underwater noises, where the dancer pauses, walks to the side, and takes a sip of water from a glass. The piece really displayed a sense of urgency and confusion, with the dancer acting as both a mover and an actor. The flowing white outfit moved softly in contrast to the sharp and dynamic choreography. As the piece came to an end, the music faded out, and all that could be heard was the breath of the dancer before the lights completely winked out.
When The Air Shifted, choreographed by Kendall Heuman Dietrich, was the next piece of the second act. A soft and beautiful contemporary piece unfolded on the stage, with dancers clad in white leotards and skirts, save for one dancer who was dressed in a full length black skirt. The dance started off with all the dancers on stage and then gradually moved into a partnered piece and solo. As the solo came to an end, all of the dancers moved in close, embracing the lone dancer in an act of friendship.
The closing number of the show consisted of seven dancers all dressed in bright red workout attire. The dance, choreographed by Maggi Dueker, is titled Vers(us). Set to upbeat music, the dancers actually speak in this dance. “Hey, how are you?” and “Are you ready?” could be heard throughout the theater as the dancers moved through the stage and interacted with one another. The dancers eventually split into what appeared to be teams, with one lone dancer being left with the tough decision of picking which “team” they would like to be on. The piece was an upbeat and powerful dance to close off Webster’s New Works Concert. All of the ticket and concession proceeds go towards the dancer's upcoming trip to ACDA, one of the biggest college dance conventions in the country. All of the talented individuals will be performing in the upcoming show, Creations Concert: A Fall Showcase of Student Works, where all of their work is original student choreography. It was a privilege to watch these dancers, so be sure to attend the November showcase
Photos by Carly Vanderheyden