With flashing colors and lights and strong performances, the School of Dance was a breath of fresh air in the social and political climate we are in.
Feb. 13 was the University of Utah’s opening night of “ANEW.” A celebration of Black History Month, the show featured works by School of Dance alumni and community members: Joshua Whitehead, Natosha Washington, Adesola Akinleye and Irishia Hubbard Romaine.
“The School of Dance believes that students, faculty and staff must be seen, heard and valued to be fully engaged in … our endeavors,” concert director Pamela Geber Handman wrote.
“Sycorax’s Tempest, Act II: Arrival” by Akinleye
In this reimagining of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Akinleye brought back to life Sycorax, who is believed to have been influenced by a Black woman.
She used strong contemporary influences in this ballet piece which came through a lot in the costuming, especially its use as a prop which was fascinating to see in a ballet. What caught my eye was the repetition of movement. It emphasized the strange reality the dancers were in and gave the audience a perspective of the character each dancer had. Though they had similar movements and patterns, each dancer brought their version to the stage, diversifying the story.
“Unearthed” by Hubbard
Hubbard’s “Unearthed” screen dance took the audience back in time in its reimagining of some of the first Black performances featured on screen. These included “The Pickaninny Dance,” “A Morning Bath” and “Le Cake-Walk.”
Within each iteration, a sense of eeriness filled the air as the audience watched these stories receive a new breath of life. This story was timely and reflected on the misrepresentation of artists of color. It left the audience pondering the message brought by the dancers that was interrupted by the following number.
“Towards Light” by Washington
“Do you know why you’re here?” were the first words spoken on stage. The next number incorporated quick shots of each figure that developed into a full discourse of the game. Each player — or dancer — had their motivation of staying in the game or leaving, which was apparent in the repeated, fast-paced movement. The use of breath was incredibly valuable to the story and added to the chill factor of the moment represented on stage.
Washington’s “Towards Light” is timely, political and extravagant in its representation of an anxiety-ridden world.
“Red Line” by Hubbard
Upon viewing Hubbard’s screen dance “Red Line” the room was filled with a sense of combustion. Each shot led into foreshadowing and frustration as the performer experienced feelings of fight or flight.
The inner turmoil shown on the outside through the dancer’s movement was uncomfortable in all the best ways. Hubbard depicted this identity in a deeply artistic way that left me craving more.
“Fever Dream” by Whitehead
“Fever Dream” is multidisciplinary in its presentation and drops the audience into a dystopian world immediately. The angular movement, spatial use and repeated motif of counting on one’s fingers added to the dream state explored by the dancers. It was incredible to watch as each movement was set to each beat of the music, creating a sense of anxiety or fighting to get out of one’s head.
“ANEW” will be open through Feb. 22 at the Marriott Center for Dance. Students can receive free tickets with a provided Ucard.
