It’s opening night for Matter Dance Company’s Emerge and the theatre is packed. A buzz is in the air in the intimate Den Theatre space. Eighteen pieces are listed on the program. Here are a few of the best:
Hide & Seek
Choreography: Ali Keirn & Lauren Nolan
Music: “Tap Dance” by Octave Minds featuring Chance The Rapper
This is such a fun song and the dance matches the joy. The dancers are all smiles as they tap dance across the stage and the audience eats it up! It’s infectious!
Quarter Past Three
Choreography and Dancing: Michelle Chorski and Patrick Justin
Music: “What You Do” by James Gillespie
The title is pulled directly from the lyrics. Also, the dancing matches the song perfectly. The couple displays a complex relationship as Gillespie sings “When the world turns upside down, you should blame it on me.” It’s a beautiful piece that is met with thunderous applause at its finale.
Outcry
Choreography: Carisa Barreca and Niki Mahon
Music: “Ra” by Nathan Lanier
The music sounds like a fierce battle. The dancers are wearing war paint and holding thick sticks. The performance looks like soldiers preparing for war. It’s very well choreographed. Also, it is reminiscent of an Indian style of dancing called Raas.
Unseen
Choreography: Patrick Justin
Music: Better Tomorrow by Tina Guo
In this piece, the two dancers are wearing blindfolds. They rely on touch alone to know where their partner is located. It’s a very cool concept and it is executed skillfully.
All Photos by Micheal Courier
Flicker
Choreography: Carisa Barreca
Music: Sky Mubs
In this performance, all the lighting comes from flashlights that the dancers are holding. They turn the flashlights on and off, spotlighting the dancing with light from all directions. It’s a complex piece of choreography, and the dancers met the challenge impressively.
I’m Me
Choreography: Carisa Barreca
Music: “Soy Yo” by Comba Estereo
This is a very goofy and fun song and they came up with a very fun idea. The dancers wear mannequin heads on top of their heads and cover up their faces. It looks like they all have very long necks and small heads. It’s quite a sight to see.
Listen to the full soundtrack here:
Get tickets now for Emerge through April 21st!
Quinn Delaney
PlaylistHQ 