As I opened the first page and scanned over the program, the thing that caught my eye is the starting music — Kanye West.
I have a mild obsession with Yeezus, so my excitement to watch the Fall Dance Festival went through the roof at that point. I couldn’t help but be antsy in my seat, but as I looked out at the “stage” in front of me, I noticed the stage didn’t really exist.
The newly renovated Creative Movement Studio has a large (3,500 square feet) studio and theater, a smaller (2,000 square feet) studio, and a 2,100 square feet smart classroom.
Technically, there is no stage. Even though I was sitting in the third row of the large theater, I felt like I could reach out and touch the dancers.
As I pointed out, the opening number was called “Burning Blue” and the music was Kanye West’s Black Skinhead and Amon Toblin’s At the End of the Day. This was a great opening number for the Festival. It was full of energy and modern movement.
Three of my best friends were involved in dance from the age of 5 until high school, so I have attended many dance recitals and programs in my lifetime. One of my friends in particular did a lot of modern dance. It’s very different from your classical ballet pretty, pretty princess pirouette.
Throughout the Festival I was not expecting the dances to be so sad. They were all very interesting because they told compelling stories, but from what I’ve viewed at previous recitals I was expecting more upbeat and in sync choreography.
The dance I found most moving was “252 Moons.” The choreography was by Aimee Dixon and I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I also thought it was neat how the music incorporated an orchestra version of a Skrillex song.
The dance was full of hurt and help between all of the performers. I also liked that they all had similar outfits. That might sound like a random detail, but to me when I watch certain dances I like it when all of the performers are unified in what they are wearing. It’s less distracting and I’m more likely to focus on the dance.
The most upbeat performance was the final dance, that ironically, wasn’t really a traditional or hardcore modern dance. The final number was called “Loud Houses.” All of the performers in the dance portrayed different personalities and created their own music. A large tarp was involved and so was colorful paint. The Festival truly saved the best dance for last.
If you’ve never experienced a Department of Theatre and Dance performance, I highly encourage the Lubbock and Tech community to see the Fall Dance Festival. I was very impressed with all of the performers and surprised with the level of professionalism of the choreography and music.
The second annual Fall Dance Festival is going on now through Nov. 16. All performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Creative Movement Studio Theatre located at the southwest corner of Akron and Glenna Goodacre Avenues.
Tickets for the Fall Dance Festival are $10 for individuals and $5 for students with a valid student ID. For tickets or more information, please contact the box office at (806) 742-3603. Parking will be available in the R 14 lot, south of the Creative Movement Studio.
Performers:
Azia Butler, Nikki Chandler, Kaleitha Gilson, Michelle Gomez, Jillian Kurt, Anna Moore, Katie Parker, Breana Young, Bianca Barrera, Morgan Fowler, Amanda Hanrahan, Kaitlyn Hopper, Katrina Scott, Ally Shepherd, Taylor Short, Kristin Anderson, Taylor Fogle, Haley Hutchtens, Hannah Miller, Kayla Northcutt, April Pavelka, Allison Pelham, Mary Van Natta, Chelsea Bohny, Sarah Grudle, Kaleitha Gilson, Sarah Parmer, Megan Reyna, Sydney Wilson, Amy Ezell, Gabi Franco, Katee Ice, Allison Jones, Zaynha Neily, Joshua Raymond, Becca Seitz, Gillian Anderson, Alyssa Davila, Laura Griffith, Peyton Peterson, Ally Sanov, Natalie Troxell, Gabi Franco, Morgan May, Mary Schuessler, Christian Dorado, Morgan Fowler, Brianne Godlevski, Patricia Morales, Bailey Williams, Eric Williams.
Production Staff:
Stage Manager- Leslie Gomez
Assistant Stage Managers- Amiee Dixon and Amber Hamblin
Costume Crew- Jackie Choi, Sarah Parmer, and Amy Ezell
Lighting Board Operator- Jessica Teague
Sound Operator- Angela Curry
Program Design- Troy Battle
Poster Design- Matt Plummer
House Supervisor- Ashley Meyer
Assistant House Supervisors- Clay Martin and DeRon S. Williams
About Lauren Estlinbaum
