As a film and journalism major, I know a lot about the arts and appreciate the various artistic areas immensely. However, there is one section where my knowledge is lacking. Dance.
Plenty of people kept telling me how amazing the Brown Bag dance series was before I even reached my first day of classes. When the opportunity came up to review the performances, I quickly tried to pass it off to someone more informed on dance. When my efforts failed, I was left with Brown Bag to attend and a review to write.
I arrived early to scope out the premises. The crowd murmured anxiously and arts majors and professors searched for the best seat in the lobby of Owen building. A black surface covered a large portion of the floor, so I positioned myself behind the enthusiastic spectators crowded up against the dancers “stage.”
Two dancers dressed in the traditional 1920’s garb started the event by sauntering onto the mat. After a few moments of strategic flirtation, the jazzy music kicked in and the dancing commenced. I was immediately captivated.
After the spirited duo, a group of dancers kept the energy in the room high with a stylized and exciting routine set to electronic duo Disclosure’s “White Noise.” The lighthearted mood was soon replaced by the next set of gifted performers though. A male and female duo with painfully realistic chemistry danced a mesmerizing routine with an undertone of heartbreak to the Civil War’s “Poison and Wine. ”
The next performance carried over the serious emotional theme. Four dancers livened up the floor in a tap routine to Sam Smith’s smash tune “Stay With Me.” A larger group then captured the crowd’s attention with rhythmic choreography in sync with the sounds of strings and heartbeats.
The next group of denim clad girls turned the energy up a notch in the room with a chaotic dance. Though they seemed to be purposefully disoriented, their talent was not lost in the rapid movements but shined in this wilder routine.
Next up, two male and female couples wowed the crowd with sensual and downright hypnotic movements. This performance, my personal favorite, was heightened by the ticking sounds in the song “Together” by the XX.
The next two routines combined crisp and smooth movements in dreamy and polished sequences. The only solo of the day came next. A sculpted female artist commanded the audience’s attention as she worked the entire space with advanced precision and control.
A large group of dancers clad in black lace with vivid red accents closed the show. Their bold routine had a dangerous yet romantic theme and ended the day with a bang.
Though in the beginning I was hesitant, I am so pleased I attended Brown Bag. The dancers truly inspired me and showed a praiseworthy amount of skill and technique.
The last Brown Bag performance takes place today at 12 p.m. If you are looking for a delightful and touching experience, then grab your lunch and stop by Meadows for a show you won’t forget.
