The show ran smoothly until after the piece “2013”. Nearing the end of this piece there were petal thrown on the entire dance floor, which looked beautiful. The problem came after it ended when one single stagehand tryed to sweep what seemed like a thousand flowers during black out. Being a stage technician myself, I had an eye for detail and the slightest impractical act. I looked around hoping someone would assist. A concern of mine was actually the dance after. It would be unfair to them that the petals remained for risk of falling. After 2 minutes he stopped and it looked like nothing was done but the show had to continue. The dance that followed was “Inside Out” by Kelly-Ann Withstrum. This piece featured genocide and there were people lying motionless on the floor to depict the dead. This did not go well with the pretty colored petals on the floor. As strong and meaningful as her piece was, the petals, through no fault of her own, worked against her. This was a clear failing on the part of the stage crew or, the lack there of.
On to more pleasant things, another highlight of mine for the evening was “R.O.M. (Roots of The Mind )” by Shervelle Williams. Movement to spoken word was beautiful and well executed. She chose the right choreographic elements to reflect emotion of the words being said.
Followed by Bob Marley’s crazy baldhead, they transitioned to rustic movements and a modern contemporary style. One choreographer I always look forward to see present work is Jelae Stroude-Mitchell. Known for her awkward and audacious approach to art I was ready to see what she had. She got started with a short monologue and from this I quote “I came from an old sperm and two old souls, conceived on a Serta mattress…” very raw and self-explanatory as usual.
Other choreographers of this Final Year Class were Lucette Regis, Jonatha Sutherland, Kelly Ann Williams, Russha Williams, Gregor Breedy, Siann Charles and Nikola Abrams- Sampson. Costuming to the choice of music was well thought out by each choreographer. Each tried to use all design elements to create a masterpiece. These dancers have stood the test of time and I have seen their growth over time highlighted boldly in this production. It was wonderful to see dancers thinking outside the box, taking risk, choosing to tell stories or consciously choosing not to, sinking deeper into their individual processes resulting in work that is so noteworthy.
ISSUE 1/MAY 2014 13