By Stephanie Cousins
Trajectory is an assembly of six works of contemporary dance performed by Contemporary Dance Ensemble at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. CDE is made up of UVU students preparing for careers in dance led by artistic director Monica Campbell. Campbell’s vision and intuition result in a cohesive evening that captivates as it enthralls. Five choreographers in coordination with the young adults who dance in this company create live inspirational art meant to affect, as they share the gamut of human experience with each other and those watching.
The curtain opens to silence, a bold choice given most patrons of the arts would argue that music is one of the legs the stool of dance stands upon. The silence serves to focus the audience, and is all the more impactful because of its rarity. We do not live in a quiet world but for a few minutes as the first dance sequence progresses without accompaniment, the room has a sense of immediacy and urgency being pressed upon by the sound of nothing. This beginning piece, “Lacuna” (choreographed by Angie Banchero Kelleher with brilliant set design by Marcus Vincent), holds the audience rapt as it expresses the need for, desire for, gathering of, and enjoyment of water. “Forge” (choreographed by Campbell and the dancers), an effectively harshly lit work, shows off the athleticism and grace of each dancer. The women make moving across the floor in any position appear effortless. “Finding the Center” (choreographed by Amy Markgraf) is a mesmerizing piece with a sincere révérence to its roots in classical dance. The attitude flows from the stage to the seats with intoxicating fluidity. Modern numbers can mean many things to many people, but there is no doubting the feelings of artistry and fulfillment that penetrate the room in this concluding number of the first part.
Following intermission, in “You Know Me” (choreographed by Lehua Estrada and the dancers), the feelings of discovery and intimacy paint with a delicate brush a picture of the highs, lows, strife, and beauty of relationships. The bareness and vulnerability of humankind is symbolized by the bare stage, pulled back curtains, and minimal costuming. Martina Jorgensen, Dae Marcuz, Brianna McKelleb, and Miranda McNall next take the stage in “Cries Made In choate” (choreographed by Rachel Blackford), an emotional number set to the haunting vocalizations of Silver Mt Zion. Energetic pairings and stark juxtapositions make “Cries” an electrically charged number. Finally, the company comes together to perform “Coincidences” with a jungle-like atmosphere and a narrative playing out on repeat in canon. While the show doesn’t seem to be intended as a social commentary, the current issues of the day come to mind as subtle conservation book ends (beginning with a set made of plastic water bottles and ending in the rain forest).
The narrative is further aided by the brilliant lighting design by Pilar Davis. Carefully planned, the colors and seamless transitions give depth and meaning to each piece. While there is a different palatte for each number, the smooth sequences and professional execution lend harmony and continuity to the show.
The dancers of UVU’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble embrace the modern art form with their whole souls. They adeptly bring Campbell’s vision to the stage. Though contemporary dance appears more free than other forms on the surface, CDE’s technicality and artistry prove to be requirements as important for this genre as any other. CDE executes with beauty, talent, ease, and fluidity. Their pieces make audiences think and stretch in new and interesting ways. Trajectory is an apt name. These dancers prove on their way to greatness they will enlarge minds and enrich hearts.
UVU School of the Arts presents Trajectory: The Contemporary Dance Ensemble in Concert.
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, BB Jones Foundation Dance Theater, 800 W University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058
March 5-7, 2020 07:30 PM, March 7, 2020 02:00 PM
Tickets: $5.00 to $15.00
Contact: 801-863-7529, artstickets@uvu.edu
Trajectory: The Contemporary Dance Ensemble in Concert
UVU School of the Arts Facebook Page
The Noorda Website
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