It never ceases to amaze me how people move through dance. Whenever I watch dancers perform, their movements can be so methodical, edgy, swift and graceful — not to mention they make it look so flawless.
Last night was no exception to this observation. Texas Tech’s Theatre and Dance Department is proud to announce that Raider Red’s Awesome Dance Spectacular is now open to the public. The performance showcases a wide variety of dance genres, music, and movement. What’s interesting about this particular dance production is RRADS is the only production that does not require performers to be enrolled or participate in a dance class. Also, potential dance majors and minors who haven’t officially been accepted into Tech’s dance program can dance and choreograph their own pieces.
The first dance was called “A Field of Possibilities.” Side note, the dances were performed in the Laboratory Theatre. In this space all of the plays and dances seem very close and personal, because you could touch an actor or dancer if you stretched your arm out far enough. When you walk into the theatre before the show starts there are delicate pink flowers sprinkled across the stage as if someone had envisioned a meadow. Above the flowers was a light sky with pink fluffy clouds that appeared as if they were in the shape of hearts (it’s amazing what lighting can do).
This dance was very sweet. The dancer came out and showed how good her technique was. She definitely used her flowers as a prop and it was quite adorable. It reminded me of a little girl rolling around in a field of wild flowers. It was sweet and innocent. Like I said, there are many genres and types of dance in this showcase, and the dance that followed was nothing like the first.
I was super excited about the next song because the music they used was by Beyoncé, and we all know that “Bey” is queen in all of life’s existence. To be honest, I expected a lot more from “Revolution.” The trio shook what their mama gave them like there was more tomorrow, but I wasn’t “wowed.” Given, they could dance better than I will ever be able to, but I would have liked to think they had worked on the dance for more than two days, and it definitely didn’t look like it.
“A New Beginning” followed the hip hop performance. This time the dancer had chosen the song “Kiss Me” by Ed Sheeran, and the dancer picked it well. Her movements were graceful and you could tell she had definitely put some time and effort into the piece.
The dances that followed were about the same level as the “A New Beginning” dance. There was a lot of technique and a lot of modern styles displayed. But, my favorite dances overall included “Embrace” and “In Dance I Trust.” They were:
-Amazing
-Moving songs that I’m officially obsessed with, and have both of them on repeat via my iPhone.
-Their technique was basically flawless (I mean, one of them did multiple head stands during his performance.)
-Oh, and they were both guys.
Their dancing had so much passion and soul I couldn’t help but be transfixed on them. If you’re not convinced that this showcase is as “awesome” as it’s advertised, Barry Horn and Eric Williams are the only two reasons you need to change your mind.
The last dance was, different, to say the least. It started like this: five dancers walk on stage and proceed with a short monologue.
“So there’s this dancer that wants to get into clown school, but she doesn’t get in,” she said. “Then, she wins the lottery, but dies awkwardly.”
Um, what? I mean, the title of the dance is literally called “Wait..What? #Awkward.” Awkward indeed. The performance was choreographed in a way I had never seen before. I don’t know if I would have ended the showcase that way, but It’s worth seeing if you need a good laugh.
Raider Red’s Awesome Dance Spectacular is open to the public from April 10 through 12 in the Laboratory Theatre. Tickets for RRADS are $10 for individuals; $5 for students with a valid student ID. For tickets or more information contact the Maedgen Mainstage box office at 742-3603.
Performers and Choreographers:
“A Field of Possibilities” – Choreographer: Sarah Grudle, Performer: Allison Pelham
“Revolution” – Choreographers: Jilliam DiPaola and Michelle Gomez, Performers: Jillian DiPaola, Michele Gomez, Kayla Northcutt, and Jonelle Owens
“A New Beginning” – Choreographer and Performer: Patricia Morales
“The Shadow” – Choreographers and Performers: Mary Schuessler and Ally Shepherd
“Sure Thing” – Choreographer and Performer: Kayla Northcutt
“Embrace” – Choreographer and Performer: Barry Horn
“Whispers from the Moon” – Choreographer and Performer: Michelle Gomez
“In Dance I Trust” – Choreographer and Performer: Eric Williams
“Farewell” – Choreographers and Performers: Chelsea Bohny, Amiee Dixon, Sarah Parmer, Jessica Teague, and Ally Sanov
Production Staff:
Stage Manager – Victoria Lawson
Lighting Designer – Jennifer McKown
Sound Board – Scott Ferrell
Light Board – Reagan Kruse
Program Design – Aaron Wood
Poster/Program Cover Design – Nicholas D. Irion
House Supervisor – Clay Martin
House Manager – Becca Venable
Ushers – Anthony Burton, Jordan Hammack, Scott Luke, and Madison Weinhoffer
Editor’s note: the lighting designer, Jennifer McKown, is the executive director of The Hub.
About Lauren Estlinbaum
