Grade: A
With little but a bare stage and their bodies, "Festival of Dance 2002" kept the audience's rapt attention for more than two hours.
The crowd watched in awe as dancers performed seemingly impossible feats, buzzing with anticipation between each of the show's 13 dance routines. Presented by the Ball State Dance Theatre, the program showcased many different styles of dance, including ballet, modern, traditional and ballroom.
The show began with "Rosewood Variations," a graceful ballet routine set to sweeping, soothing classical music. In "Hungarian," the next number, two pairs of dancers twirled, stomped and clapped in perfect unison as the tempo of the music continuously rose.
"Clogging," a crowd favorite, featured 12 dancers clad in blue jeans and brightly colored T-shirts. The dancers' energy and enthusiasm quickly spread to the audience, as they stomped and kicked to lively bluegrass.
In contrast to the high-energy group routines, a solo dance by Shawna Emerick, "Having," kept the audience spellbound. With her face hidden by a shroud of her long brown hair for most of the routine, she moved gracefully, then fiercely, to mellow string music.
"The Prey" was another highlight of the show. With building, pulsing tribal music playing, "the hunters" aggressively tracked and consumed "the prey."
After intermission, "Dreams in the Key of 'B'" provided a refreshing comic relief. In a dreamlike setting, this routine presented items, concepts and actions that all began with the letter "b." Dancers brought out books, became bandits, break-danced and even announced the birthday of Don LaCasse, chairman of the Department of Theatre and Dance. This number hilariously defined exactly what a dream can be - completely random and confusing, yet eternally intriguing.
The finale, "Blue Danube Waltz," integrated ballet and waltz movements, as elegantly dressed couples danced under three crystal chandeliers to Strauss' famous musical piece.
"Festival of Dance" is dedicated to the memory of Lynnette Jordan Schisla. Schisla, who died in 1992, was instrumental to the development of Ball State's dance major and musical theatre option. Given the high quality of the production and talent of the performers, it is a fitting tribute indeed.
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