Friday, April 28, 2006
Eleven dance numbers will be featured this year.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Ford Theater at Youngstown State University will be filled with music and movement next week as the YSU Dance Ensemble presents its annual recital.
Formed in 1991, the group has grown and evolved. Artistic Director Christine Cobb said their success is the result of the members' commitment.
"The Dance Ensemble was created as an outlet for students who wanted to continue dancing in college," she said. "Up until four years ago, the university didn't even offer a minor in dance.
"Our recitals are a mix of styles, choreographed by the students and myself, and sometimes guest choreographers," Cobb continued. "We currently have 22 members, and this is the first year students had to audition to join. The students are so dedicated to the group and to putting on an excellent performance."
Modern dance specialty
This year's recital will feature 11 pieces. Cobb, whose specialty is modern dance, choreographed one piece, titled "Galloping Gourmets," danced to Haydn's Symphony No. 92 in G Major, the Adagio and Presto movements. "It is a humorous piece using 12 dancers, who will be dressed like chefs, and portrays cooking contests and competitions, gourmet cook-offs," said Cobb. She got the title idea from the amusing '60s cooking show "The Galloping Gourmet," starring Graham Kerr.
The first piece on the program, called "Bang!," was choreographed by Erianne Raib, and is reminiscent of the popular touring show "Stomp!" The piece uses nine dancers.
"This is the first time I have experimented with a cappella," said Raib. "We will be making music with our feet, pvc pipe, drumsticks, blocks -- all the main rhythms. We will be wearing black hoodies and capri pants, and there is a black light section that will look like floating feet."
Raib is also doing a solo improvisational piece called "Improvography," which will also be a cappella. "I will be very relaxed for this one," she said. "I will probably talk to the audience."
Raib has been dancing for 16 years, and teaches and choreographs children's dance at Steppin' Out in Girard.
Ashley Workman is part of a group-choreographed piece called "Hep Cats," the only swing piece to be performed. She said it is '90s swing, as opposed to the big band style of the '30s.
Hard beats
"The main difference from the older style is that it is more rock infused, more hard beats," she said. "And the music is faster, but still uses the traditional instruments, like sax and trombones, and there are also guitars." Seven dancers will participate in this one, and the music will be a recorded mix of several bands, including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Atomic Fireballs and Peggy Lee.
Workman will also dance in a piece choreographed by Amanda Lewis, called "Imagine," based on the John Lennon song, but performed by A Perfect Circle.
"It is a more modern sound, with an entire band rather than a solo instrument," Workman said. "It allows for more depth and emotion. The movements are fluid, and will focus on the lyrics. We will be doing some individual dancing, and some partnering."
Workman has been dancing for seven years, and this is her third with the group. "I am really glad I can choreograph and contribute to the performance," she said. "Every year we put on a great show."