On January 24th we saw “Triple Focus”, a show featuring Revolve Dance Company, Urgeworks, and Uptown Dance Company. It was a nicely balanced show, as each company was given a chance to show its own uniqueness and individual strength. The objective of the show was to present an evening of current contemporary dance by commissioning a new work from each company as well as presenting a work from the groups’ repertoire. There were some experimental choices made by the choreographers but none that went so far as to alienate the enthusiastic crowd. As a whole, the experimentation yielded positive results, giving the audience a nice, fresh program that esacped dance cliché.
Revolve is always a stand out and tonight was no exception. The dancers with stunning technique were all flawless, each one displaying a personal understanding of the material and a sensitivity to the movement. The choreography was inspired and fit each of the dancers very nicely. Matt Dippel really brought both of Revolve’s pieces to life, effortlessly sailing through Amy Cain and Dawn Dippel’s inventive choreography. Revolve had an informal air to their pieces that was very refreshing. There was a particularly strong audience reaction to Urgeworks. What a group! This is not your typical hip hop company. In addition to the spins, popping, locking and the “how did they do that” tricks, both pieces remained focused on the music and stuck to successful choreographic ideas, never losing the sense of artistry. And these guys each stole the show in their own way, with strong performances across the board.
Also of interest, Ray Dones premiered a piece for Uptown with brooding electronic music and undulating, almost serpentine movement that was off-kilter and a little subversive. It was a nice contrast to the lighter themes in other the other pieces on the program. The sometimes tortured movement communicated a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty. The dancers seemed to repel each other like opposing magnets, drifting from one section to the next. And Dones was able to use the lack of movement for maximum effect in this piece as well, escalating the amount of emotional tension.
All around the program was enjoyable and relaxed, with some unexpected surprises and lots of audience satisfaction to offer. There was a very pure sense of the natural love of movement in all three companies which made the evening seem more like a celebration of dance for the audience and dancers alike.
by Nick Nesmith
Dance Houston is excited to present Houston’s biggest hip-hop festival, February 28th at the Wortham Center. Featuring some of Houston’s most talented dancers and hometown favorites, Wyld Styl, Ghost Crew, and Planet Funk. Joining the ranks are up-and-comers HIStory, The 8th Edition, ILL-Ovation and Fyasko. Championship high school team Inertia Dance Company round out the festival with impressive skill and artistry. Headliner So Real returns to Houston for this special one-night engagement. After winning 2nd place on America’s Best Dance Crew last summer, the crew has been touring the nation with nonstop performances. 