Reflections: the Fall 2023 HPU Dance performance 

As I approached the doors to the Pauline Theatre in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, I was surprised to see the swarm of people looking for seats. I didn’t think I would need to walk up the velvet-covered stairs to the second balcony to find space for myself and the friends that came along. 

 

The mumbling chatter filled the theater full of family, friends and, surprisingly enough, college students. Considering it was a Friday night, this came as a shock. I attended the High Point University fall dance concert last year, but unfortunately it didn’t live up to the high hopes that I, as a dancer, had going in.

 

“Reflections.” An intriguing title. I wasn’t sure what the audience was going to be reflecting on–perhaps why they chose to spend his or her Friday night on a modern dance performance (let’s just say I was skeptical). I couldn’t help but think at least the ticket was free.

 

However with a theater as packed as it was, I was doing my best to approach the night with an open mind. 

 

The annual fall dance concert is put on by the HPU Department of Theater and Dance. Dancers from all backgrounds audition to become part of the dance company and are then selected for different choreographic pieces based on their skill set. The concert, directed by Lindsey Howie, featured new works by faculty Christine Stevens, Emily Crofford, Michele Trumble, and Shawn Bowman-Hicks, as well as guest artist Masha Dashkina Maddux.

 

The lighting began to dim as did the conversations, and the deep red curtain was lifted to reveal the first group of dancers.

 

Once the spotlight hit the stage, I was hooked. Highlighting the center of the stage, it was the only light in all the darkness. I watched as the dancers standing in a circle began moving to the powerful, instrumental music. The strong bass vibrated the theater and emphasized each articulate movement. Syncopated choreography was used to transition each dancer from outside the circle to inside.

 

The first dance of the concert was dimensional, creative and captivating. It was the perfect execution of modern, contemporary dance full of interpretive movement and expression. It allowed the audience to decipher the message the dancers were trying to portray; from what I gathered, it was a symbol of unsteadiness. Once the dancers ended in the same formation they began, the roaring applause from the audience clearly aligned with the concert I was about to witness.

 

Dancers in long, black dresses entered the stage as an eerie tone of music began. You could feel the uneasiness throughout the rows of audience members; you could also feel the investment. All eyes were on that stage now lit by multiple spotlights. The emotional execution in this piece was reflected in the choreographed shaky hands and facial expressions of the performers.

 

They used mirroring movements and canon sequences where dancers illustrated the theme of support. Partnered with another, the girls took turns helping each other walk and carrying each other on their backs. As they stood to bow, emphatic cheers echoed off the walls. 

 

But little did the audience know, the best was yet to come.

 

The most engaging and suspenseful choreographic work of the night was a representation of the predator and prey relationship. Three graceful dancers with long limbs and beautiful extensions entered the stage portraying what I believe to be gazelles. They pranced around to the uplifting music demonstrating true ballet technique in their movements. Dressed in orange bodysuits, the three dancers created unique shapes and lines with one another. However, the audience could feel the lurking presence of danger. 

 

A rapid change in the speed of music and movement had me on the edge of my seat. A cool fog flowed over the stage as the large group of predators slowly crawled through to approach the prey. As the music became louder, the lights, now a deep red, were flashing to intensify the suspense and imminent danger. The large group attacked each prey one by one, trapping them in their tight formation. 

 

When it came down to the final gazelle, the dancer truly portrayed the emotions of fear and abandonment. The audience was convinced that she was safe and able to escape the horrifying capture of her fellow prey. Silence filled the theater as she stood at the front of the stage–the only light being that which enlightened her. She made it. She survived. Or did she?

 

She let out a sigh of relief, one we all could feel in our souls. She was then grasped by a few predators and dragged out of the light. The audience gasped and jumped in reaction to the ending of this well-executed piece. 

 

Other dances that followed lacked the same intensity and excitement. Some left me wanting more while others could have been shorter. Even during these however, I was still engaged in the performance.

 

Once the final piece concluded, the dancers all re-entered the stage for a bow. The applause and cheers from the audience showed the true support each dancer received. The girls smiled and clapped for one another, giving extra attention to the five graduating seniors who just completed their last fall performance. A feeling I know too well. 

 

It wasn’t that long ago that I was still performing in recitals and showcases with some of my closest friends. Although dance was something that I knew I didn’t want to pursue as a career, the burning love I have for dance will be with me always. And there are times that I miss it–this being one of those times.

 

Walking into the theater, I was prepared to reflect on how quickly I could leave to get back to my busy hustle of my college life. An hour made all the difference. I left the Hayworth Fine Arts building not only impressed but truly reflecting on what can be considered dance and why it is such a passion of mine.