Simple costuming, effective use of lighting and smooth transitions are just three of the standout elements of this year’s Dance Alabama! fall concert. The event was comprised of 20 student-choreographed pieces, showcasing a variety of dance styles including modern, tap, hip-hop and pointe.
Although most of the pieces in Dance Alabama! had more of a modern appeal in both choreography and musical selections, the standout pieces to watch were those that differed from the rest, such as the two hip-hop pieces, one pointe piece and one tap piece.
It was these pieces that added variety to the show. The hip-hop and tap pieces certainly brought a “crowd-pleaser” element to the concert, as these are the types of styles many people who don’t have dance background are used to seeing.
Another element of the concert was the incredible partner work. Partner work was not the same in any two pieces, and in each one it was breathtaking to watch the trust each dancer instilled in their partner. All of the performances were well controlled and had the atmosphere of a professional showcase.
There was a mix of simplistic partner work, as well as aerial work and lifts. All of this was flawless and also showcased the core strength and flexibility of each dancer.
Transitions in all pieces were smooth, and each choreographer did a fantastic job in bringing dancers on and off stage, as well as changing formations, which added to the dynamic of each routine. These formations also allowed the dancers to showcase specific strengths.
Because dancers were choreographed into multiple pieces, this helped establish a sense of familiarity for the audience, allowing them to recognize dancers who made repeat appearances.
The use of props and special effects such as smoke, fans or chairs was a welcome addition to any piece that featured them. Sometimes the use of any of these elements can make the prop seem like a gimmick or make a routine look cheesy, but in this case, it added variety and showed how much more talented these students are for being able to use the props effectively.
The element that made this a standout showcase was each dancer’s show of emotion. The audience was stirred to feel the same as the dancer depending on the piece, and this emotion was executed through facial expression and movement. Each dancer captured the essence of the choreography and brought it to life.
The order of the concert also contributed to the dynamic of the show, with a thorough mix of style and dancers in each half of the showcase.
Overall, the Dance Alabama! fall show was a strong representation of the University’s dance talent and was an incredible indicator of the performances students can expect to see from the Department of Theatre and Dance this year.
