ON YOUR FEET

Ohio University helps deliver intimate performance

by Kim Gower, contributing writer

This past weekend, two schools came together to provide an enjoyable night of dance. The concert, entitled “DanceShare,” featured dance programs from both JMU and Ohio University.

There were a total of eight pieces — four from each school. All of the pieces varied in style and each piece had a unique personality.

Senior Jess Burgess performed a beautiful solo entitled “On the Way.” In her performance, she seamlessly flowed into her movements using control and strength. Her solo was both personal and emotional.

Senior Kayleigh Showers really enjoyed this solo.

“There’s a lot of power and emotion underneath her dancing — a certain kind of energy,” she said.

Dancers from Ohio performed a fascinating duet entitled, “Spring Green, Dry Leaves.” They proved that dance requires not only emotion and artistry, but strength and athleticism as well. Their stunning lifts revealed the dancer’s great strength and athleticism. The woman even lifted the man without showing one hint of weakness. The way they shared weight and used their bodies in various ways to lift each other was truly remarkable.

Ohio dancer Rubén Graciani performed a solo entitled, “Before and After.” This was an emotional yet energetic piece that showcased the dancer’s amazing talent. This piece told a tale of a relationship. In the beginning, it seemed as though something — or someone — was holding him back from getting somewhere. His movement was on a diagonal pattern and his focus kept reverting to the back corner of the stage.

In the second part of the piece, it was as if he had finally reached that place.  Excitement and joy poured from his movement.  He was a strong dancer, with a lot of ballet technique, which was especially evident when he performed an astounding succession of jump turns. He made a very interesting choice as a choreographer to combine ballet-based movement with contemporary dance — all performed to jazzy music. His facial expressions — both of excitement and intrigue — made this solo one of the favorites of many audience members.

Senior Ellen Lolich was very impressed with Graciani’s solo.

“He had a lot of enthusiasm — he wasn’t afraid to just dance,” she said. “I could tell in his face he just loves to dance.” Lolich also enjoyed seeing a male dancer perform. “I think it’s so cool that a guy has so much passion for dance,” she said. “I thought it was interesting to see a guy perform because I’m not used to seeing many guys dance here.”

JMU’s new part-time dance professor Roxann Morgan performed a beautiful and emotional solo.  Accompanied by string music and wearing a simple white dress, she began in the corner of the stage sitting in a metal water basin. She began to slowly wash herself, with careful and articulate movements, creating an intimate moment on stage. It contrasted with some of the other fast and energetic dances.

Junior Becky Verno was very moved by Morgan’s solo.

“All the weight shifting resembled her struggling with some issue,” she said. “It took so much effort for her to step out of the tub, and when she did she collapsed.”

The mixture of emotional solos and dynamic, pulsating group performances gave audience members a true look at the beauty of dance.