Dance 2011 – What About the Earth?

18 May 2011Sarah M

Inspired by tribal drumbeats, the primal instinct to dance is one that transcends generations and speaks of a shared ancestry through a universal language. We dance for joy, for sadness, for celebration, for hope and, though each culture has a unique style, a common theme of interconnected humanity is ever present. At this year’s Evening of Dance, that theme was shared and enjoyed by all.
The dances of this year’s show were united by the question “What about the earth?” and its answers were put forth with vigour in dances of all styles. The question of war was answered through the moving performances of “Marching On” by the junior experienced class and “WAR!” by the intermediate class. Set to a backdrop of stirring images, the dance inspired change with every marching step and moving beat. Hope was inspired with “Imagine”—a piece by the advanced dancers set to the John Lennon classic. Tamsyn and Lindsay C’s highland rendition of “500 miles” epitomized family bonds while modernity was embodied by the break dancing of Tom C, James C, and Andrew L and the hip hop lyrical fusion of Jazleen D. “Change Gonna Come” –a piece by the dancers graduating this year — spoke of accepting new things and reflected the thoughts of those leaving the school for new worlds of their own. Rachel H’s “Take it All” was a masterful piece and prelude to the finale with its message that summarized the themes of the night’s performance. There were many, many more dances from solos choreographed by the students to group pieces mapped by teachers Ms. Blake and Ms. Chantel, all of them telling stories through music and motion. Playing with light and shadow, the tech crew orchestrated a performance that added another forceful element to the show and provided the perfect canvas for the colours of the dances. The final number was accompanied by soloists from several of Brentwood music ensembles who had also performed as dancers throughout the evening and, through the verses of “The Earth Song” carried the audience away with music and emotion. Every artist appeared passing across the stage like clouds across the deep blue sky—a sky that, like dance itself, can be seen on every continent—and then reappeared to great applause for their well deserved bows. This year’s show was, simply put, unforgettable in all aspects of its design. Congratulations BCS Dancers of 2011, yours was a night to remember.

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