As the creators of the dances, choreographers often and justifiably so (particularly in this case) get the most recognition. We must give a shout out to the company who make up The Contemporary Choreographers program. Their skill, strength, and fluidity of movement are superb, coupled the joy and enthusiasm they each radiated in their performances make for a GREAT evening of dance. Credit must also go to COPA for developing a dance program that this year is ranked in the top ten of dance programs in the U.S. and is ranked as the number one dance program offering both B.A. and BFA degrees. The talent shines brightly.
The George Roland White Performance Studio at Point Park is one of the best venues for dance performances in Pittsburgh. The theatre has an intimate feel with stadium seating that offers unobstructed views of the entire dance floor. The stage itself is quite large giving the choreographers a broad and deep space to create in. Lighting and sound are first rate. Four brilliant choreographers, a corps of very talented dancers, a nationally ranked program and a perfect venue all come together to create a stunning program.
4 YOUS Peter Chu (BFA Julliard, So You Think You Can Dance choreography) choreographed the first and most thought-provoking selection of the evening with music from electronic musician and collaborator Djeff Houle. Chu’s 4 YOUS uses six dancers to explore the inner dilemma an aging person faces as they distrust their perception and ability to perform. One of the things I like about contemporary choreography as a genre is each audience member can come up with their own interpretation. The intertwined movement is very fluid and yet times staccato-like. There is an interesting section where one dancer is buffeted, as we imagine time travel must be like. This could be a metaphor on the speed of modern life from birth to death. You get to decide.
RENDEVOUS Choreographed by Christopher Huggins (Julliard, Alvin Alley) is performed to the music of Rene Aubrey. This is the classic “boy meets girl, chases the girl and falls in love” presented with a modern flair. The piece features thirteen dancers in a delicious mix of steps and styles that take full advantage to the ample stage space. The dance flows gracefully mixed with tight movements accentuated by the men dressed in all black and the women in long skirts and a rainbow of bright almost iridescent corset style tops. Each couple could stand alone in their excellence, but together the corps is a visual treat.
INTO THE LIGHT is choreographed by Jae Man Joo (Dankook University, Seoul, Korea) Antonio Vivaldi’s music gives this piece a very classic sense style. You can see the choreographer’s international experience in the flavor of the piece as he morphs the boy meets girl script into a modern person meets person romance. The Aria Duet, performed by Shawn Cusseaux and Tyler Kerbel in the only credited roles of the evening was breathtakingly beautiful. The principal dancer at the end of the section deserves mention for both her skill and stage presence. The company hits their marks precisely and stays in near perfect step throughout.
DANCING IN THE DARK is choreographed by Mark Burrell (Assistant Professor at Point Park, BFA Julliard, MFA Candidate – Wilson College) under the influence of Bob Fosse. What could possibly be more fun than a Broadway-style 11 o’clock number to close out the evening? Eighteen dancers, black lights and Fosse jazz hands do the trick and set the mood for this fun-filled romp with a jazz soundtrack that ends with “Dancing in the Dark” sung by Ben Vereen. Costumer Erin L. Heintzinger joins the fun with white pinstripes on deep grey with crop tops for all and a mix of jazz pants, briefs, and trunks. Simply put, this piece was all about the joy of dance in all its glory.
Each of the company’s dancers demonstrated, in addition to their dance skills, one of the most essential traits of a successful dancer’s career; stage presence. Come to the line, turn, flash that smile and for a moment be the one no one can take their eyes off of.
We attended tonight’s performance with two friends who avidly attend dance performances in Pittsburgh. As the audience left, we found ourselves all smiles as we discussed the evening’s remarkable performance and who was “the one.” But there wasn’t just one, there were many. A casting director would be in heaven.
Point Park’s COPA graduates are right up there within the ranks of dancers on Broadway and at major companies and it is easy to see why. It is a strong program with a national reputation, insanely talented students and superior facilities that attracts renowned choreographers who in turn draw even more gifted students, (Is that possible?) COPA boasts top notch faculty, designers and their talent shows. If you have a chance this weekend, grab a ticket and discover this gem of a dance company.
Contemporary Choreographers at the GRW Performance Studio, Point Park University October 11th to 14th. For tickets and more information click here.
George Hoover got his start in theatre in Miami when his family ran the Coconut Grove Playhouse. His career encompasses a variety of work in both the design and technical side of motion pictures, live theatre, and television. George is a three-time Emmy Award winner, member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Broadcasting & Cable Technology Leadership Award winner, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers Life Fellow, and most importantly a passionate theatre person and generally handy guy.
Categories: Archived Reviews