By: Liz Monnier
The performance of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company on March 21 will be a surprise to me. I’ve never seen this company live and only have access to a few minutes of each piece on YouTube. I’m sharing with you some thoughts about what I think we can expect from this concert. I’m curious about the title of the first piece “Exit 7,” created by famed choreographer Ronen Koresh. The title made me think about interstate exits, but then when you think about dance and the word “exit,” I’m guessing it is about 7 dancers exiting at some point in the dance or that there are 7 major exits throughout the piece, which has 8 sections. Dance titles are fun and funny and sometimes don’t mean anything. Burt Saidel of the Oakwood Register says this about “Exit 7,” “The juxtaposition of music and movement was perfect. The finale left us all breathless.” Michelle Tedford said, “ Contemporary dance movements reminiscent of Koresh’s training with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre were joined with influences from his old dance roots in the Yemenite tradition.” Can’t wait to see this one!!
Second on the program is “Urban Milonga” choreographed by Puerto Rican native Alvin Rangel, who uses the sensuous dance of the tango as his starting point. I can’t help it, I just think this dance is about love, and how much I would love to be dancing in this piece with that special someone. Set to music by Astor Piazolla, this is not your typical ballroom dance, my friends. This shows off the company’s comfort and expertise with lifting, falling, rolling, and contact dance exuding that special energy we call “sensuality.” Sneak peak.
A rhythmically driving sound score by Olafur Arnalds, Thomas Newsman and Mikael Karlsson accompanies “Tossed Around” by choreographer, Ray Mercer. Bright yellow chairs become a partner and metaphor for how life feels sometimes out of control. Evidently Mr. Mercer work-shopped this piece on dancers from the Broadway hit, “The Lion King” before setting it on Dayton Contemporary. It is a fast paced wow-grabbing piece! Sneak peak.
The program in Fort Wayne will end with a kinetic marvel titled “Shed.” It is pleasing to the eye and for me will probably accompany the feeling of “please don’t let it end.” The piece borrows the athleticism of African dance and shares the message of self-love and having the courage to shed your fears and be the person you were born to be. Choreographer Keisha Lalama has given us a glimpse at a world of “positive embrace, in which differences are celebrated.” Sneak peak.
Nothing compares to sitting in the audience for a live dance performance so get your tickets now to come see Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, March 21st at 8PM!!
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