The Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre performed their opening show of “Adieu” at the English Building Auditorium this Tuesday. “Adieu” marks the final show for the spring semester’s run of performances in the Department of Theatre and Dance. The show will run from April 14-17.
The dance concert features works from guest and University faculty choreographers, diving into the complexities of emotional burdens and the art of resilience after tragedy. The show showcased five dances, varying in their stylistic interpretations of farewell.
“Seven Suite,” a playful ballet, began the show with vivid pastel costumes that enhanced the traditional artistry presented on the stage.
Leena Dryden, a freshman majoring in anthropology, said that she loved the first performance, praising its whimsical nature and costume designing that reminded her of royal court jesters and the iconic Disney fairy, Tinkerbell.
The show continued with the contrasting Beyonce-infused “LOVE: The Evolution,” a hip-hop-jazz dance that uses a colorful backdrop displaying different words of love that correlate with each Beyonce song.
Ashley Dorsey, a freshman majoring in human development and family studies, said “LOVE: The Evolution” was her favorite performance due to its bold and animated style.
“I liked all the sassiness of it,” she said. “I’m very sassy, so I love those types of dances.”
“undertow,” an eccentric modern dance, presented a nuanced take of saying goodbye. The performers wore matching monochromatic dark blue costumes, synchronizing their appearance along with their motion.
“I love having the audience there,” said Micah Courtland, a third-year graduate student in the MFA dance program. “The feedback really gives us energy on stage, and it just helps us to perform better.”
Loud city streets and chattering crowds continue the show with “Disassembling, an excerpt from City Stories,” a New York themed contemporary dance. The dancers wore matching business blazers, adjacent to the newspaper style backdrop.
“Threshold,” is a thrilling modern-contemporary dance that communicates responses of trauma through its darkened silhouettes and special effects. The show finishes contrasting the beginning, with the captivating song, “Angel (Radio Edit)” by Massive Attack.
“I love live art. I’ve been doing it since I was three years old, and so it always brings such a different energy than watching something on the screen,” Courtland said.
Dryden also recognized the power of live artistic expression, tying it to the human condition.
“I think it’s very important to bring art and see it,” Dryden said. “Because who are we as humans without art?”
