Concert Review of Without Sinking

On April 19 2014, I attended the Old Dominion University, University Dance Theatre Spring Concert 2014. Upon entering the theatre, I was not too sure what to expect. From the look of the advertisement it could be implied that this concert would focus on contemporary or modern dance elements. Once I viewed the program I developed different expectations. The artist’s biographies lead me to anticipate a variety of dance genres, to include: jazz, hip hop, modern, ballet and ballroom. The dance titles left much to the imagination. All except “Lets’s Ballroom Dance”, I inherently expected some form of ballroom dancing. As a whole the concert was at times very entertaining and at other times I felt confused and unsure of what the artist wanted the audience to gain from the performance. This did not take away my appreciation for the technique and skill of each dancer performing that night. I simply reasoned that each dancer did exactly what each particular artist requested of them, which to me seems to be difficult enough seeing how some were strange and out of the ordinary. It definitely took confidence and humility. Out of nine performances I was able to choose two performances that were able to catch my interest and entertain my imagination, “Without Sinking” and “Tie Shopping with My Father”.

Without Sinking was choreographed by Megan Thompson and collaborated with the dancers. The dance began with music by Iannis Xenakis, “Concert Ph”. This particular musical number seemed nothing more than glass and metal constantly tumbling around or falling to the floor. The dancers on the other hand began on the floor with a completely black stage, except for the amber light bulbs. One dancer that caught my eye started down stag...

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...ncing with the Stars it is easy for us to appreciate dances forms such as the ones choreographer Danny Charles developed. I was also able to see many aspects of modern dance. Some performances even seemed to be a rebellion against what we may consider dance, through the lack of a defined structure and possible absence of a story. Unlike the choreography of Danny Charles, these modern dance forms may be harder to understand, if there is anything that the choreographer wants us to understand. Nevertheless, the modern performances are still very much an enjoyment for the eyes, ears and mind. Whether the dance and music were soft and expressive, intense or if there is no music at all, I think it was able to reach each person in a different way even if they seemed confused. There is no doubt that dance of all types leave an impression on its audience.