This is a mixed bag of contemporary dance pieces from undergraduate JMUpstart Dance Company. In a showcase of different works, the company has great presence and strength as a group. The tone of the concert is generally dark and austere, with a couple notable exceptions, and there is no identifiable overall concept to the show, rather thematic styles and attitudes create connections between pieces.
The first dance was unfortunately weak and the dancers seemed a little awkward in their movements and the manipulation of large red curtains hanging from the ceiling above them. The choreography of the piece is elegant, but could do with some refinement in the performance of controlled leans and arabesques. However, after the first show some of those creases should be ironed out. The second dance was braver in concept and form, using shafts of light to entrap three separated dancers, and reflecting the mechanized torment of office workers with dancers in high heels and white shirts. Signature gestures quickly became repetitive and worn, however, and this echoing of movements continued throughout all the works.
The energy rose in the third piece, as the dancers donned different coloured dresses, and made kissing noises and blew raspberries, producing surprised laughter from the audience. The piece stood out as the performers, clearly enjoying themselves, beamed to the audience and each other. From here on the dancing was energetic and generally strong, although it continued to lack technical refinement in challenging moves.
Later, showing another touch of humor and verve, the dancers put on pig masks to perform the final piece. Although the movement didn’t seem to work with the masks in terms of context, the piece showed promise in clowning and slapstick and acted as a satisfying counterpoint to the majority of somber works in the production. This young company shows promise in its vivacity and energy and would do well to explore their potential for playfulness and comedy in future work.
