The Spring 2012 Faculty Concert

http://www.csulb.edu/depts/dance

Usually I will only like one or two pieces in a typical Cal State Long Beach Concert. Sometimes the pieces I like are good but could withstand some changes. However, last night was an exception where the first  four of the six dances were quite nice. Some of these pieces could have used some changes, but the last two pieces of the evening were nice ideas that never truly came to fruition. I have chosen to discuss the first piece.

The opening piece, “Set and Drift, choreographed by Lorin Johnson www.lorinjohnson.com in collaboration with the dancers with music by Grieg, was wonderful from start to finish. The program notes said that the female octet was dedicated to Johnson’s wife, Lisa, who is “beautiful, fun, and a bit quirky.” The vibrant choreography and music did just that, with hands reaching from the wings of the stage, waiting to be grabbed, bouncing up and down as if to start sprinting in a race, followed by an ending where one dancer after another pushes each other down to be queen of the stage.  The reigning “queen” who is the last one standing suddenly has her leg grabbed, as if she might fall down too, but then the lights go out.

The music, costumes, and lighting went well with the choreography. The painted flesh-colored pointe shoes the women wore along with their short shiny dresses accompanied by less shimmery pants were also eye-catching. There were two girls dressed in each color; navy, royal, turquoise, and purple. The cooler color combination went well against the cobalt blue backdrop. In return, the bright stage lighting went well with the lively choreography and music.

Although the piece could have used more rehearsal with every girl in unison with smoother transitions at all times, the dance was still one of my favorite pieces of the evening. In addition, some girls were better at sharing their emotions than others. Audience member and dancer Michael Phillips agrees. “The choreography was really nice,” says Phillips, “but the kids just didn’t have it together musically.”