The SLCC Dance Company performed their latest concert, “Earthworks” on Nov. 16 and 17 at South City’s Grand Theatre.
An audition will be held on Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in W-230 at South City Campus. Both men and women are welcome, but dance experience is required.
Email tess.boone@slcc.edu to reserve an audition place.
The performance consisted of 13 pieces that transitioned seamlessly through brilliantly designed video, still imagery, recorded music and sets.
“I thought the dancers performed amazingly this weekend. Each night was equally strong,” said Dance Company director Tess Boone. “Their focus, training, and commitment was evident in every dance. I was incredibly proud of every one of them. It is an honor and privilege to work with such dedicated dancers.”
In the beginning of the performance, dancers lay motionless on the stage as a video exploration of Earth, edited by Tim Riesen, played on a massive screen behind them to music by Gabrielle Roth and The Mirrors.
The dancers began to move with slow exaggerated movements, choreographed by Erica Womack, mimicking the steadfastness of the Earth. Their costumes, designed by Boone, were simple Leggings and tanks in earth tones.
Each new piece in succession described more fully a particular force of nature or element of the earth
Madison Mueller gracefully depicted the calm quietness of the coldest season in “Winter,” her ballet solo. She danced to music by Brian Eno and David Byrne through thick fog with an image of a beautiful snowy landscape set in the background.
Mueller’s costume was a white glittery unitard with a delicate embellishment draped over her shoulders from wrist to wrist that seemed to resemble icicles. Mueller’s talent is especially remarkable since she has only been dancing for four years, although she has been a gymnast her entire life.
Quentel Moore and Megan Yingling captured the carefree atmosphere of summer in their duet, “Summer.” The pair danced to music by The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
In a sundress and bare feet, Yingling danced playfully with Moore who wore a tank top and tan fedora. An image of a sunflower on the screen behind them matched the flower in Yingling’s hair.
Dance Company member Kaity Robins has been dancing since she was 3 years old
“I think our hard work paid off. You can always do better, I’m going to try to do better tomorrow,” said Robins after Friday’s concert.
“Earthworks” was the first of two concerts this year with the theme of the natural world around us, the forces of nature and elements of the earth.
“Spring semester will highlight the best of student choreography, as students take on this theme,” said Boone.
