Pointed toes, elongated limbs, extreme precision and enormous strength; these are only a few of the adjectives and phrases that could be used in an attempt to describe the incredible scene that was this year’s Brown Bag Dance Series.
With pieces choreographed and performed by SMU’s very own Meadows dance students, fellow classmates displayed their skill in the Owen Arts Center Lobby during the week of October 5-9.
The series consisted of eleven choreographed pieces, all ranging in style, number of dancers, and costume, yet all precise in technique and form. According to dancer Madison McKay, it is “really amazing to share what we love through the student choreography…It showcases our own artistic choices.”
When asked what her favorite part about the show was, McKay responded saying that it’s the audience, who “can share and enjoy in what we love,” that makes the greatest difference to the cast. One of the most special parts about this dance series is that each dance told different a story, evoked different emotions, and impacted the audience in diverse and individual ways, causing many of the following reactions:
Awe
Rebecca Moore and Summer Myatt choreographed the first piece entitled “Nous Summes Potatoes.” With quirky and colorful costumes and a big ensemble, this opening piece set the tone for the rest of the series with its intrigue and inimitability.
Spark
The second piece, entitled “Let You Go” was a tap piece performed by senior Hannah Hess to a pop song by The Chainsmokers. With her attention to the beat of the music and incredible footwork, Hess performed a crowd-pleasing routine that kept everyone’s head bumping to the beat and begging for more.
Poise
Emily Bernet choreographed the third performance entitled “South Bank.” The classical piece consisted of four female dancers and one male dancer, and it seemed as though the dancers were chasing the violin in the music, leaving the audience mesmerized.
Psychedelic
This piece, choreographed by Zach Biehl and Summer Myatt entitled “Getting There,” began slow and then sped up, telling a story through the movement of the dancers. This piece was highly unique in its form while hypnotic to watch.
Richness
In her piece, “Veracruz,” Daniela Aguin and her sister Elizabeth Aguin danced in native costume, including long white dresses, red sashes, headpieces, and fans. With precise footwork and moon-crescent smiles, these two caused the audience to happily follow along.
Mesmerizing
In her piece entitled “Dap,” Cayla Simpson and her eight fellow dancers took on a contemporary piece with clean lines and precision. One’s eyes didn’t know who to follow as there were so many different movements and shapes presented to the audience.
Grace
In a beautiful duet entitled “Romanced,” Mallory Ketch and Mike Stone told a stunning story in their choreography, playing along with the jazz music that accompanied. Not only did the dance tell a romantic story, but the audience became a part of each dancer’s journey.
Strength
Olivia Schmid performed a solo entitled “Impedire,” with strong lines and compelling moves that fascinated the audience on a visibly emotional level.
Distortion
Samantha Chiesa choreographed a piece entitled “Sensillum,” and with an ensemble of eight dancers twisting, turning, and distorting, this piece sent the best kind of shivers down everyone’s spine. With acrobatics and a real sense of reliance on teamwork throughout the dance, this piece was one to remember.
Synchronism
In a lively duet choreographed by Adrian Aguirre entitled “Swift Impulse,” Aguirre and his dance partner Jennifer Nelson charmingly played off of one another with lifts and were in perfect synch throughout the entire piece. This piece both intrigued and warmed the hearts of audience-members.
Playfulness
In an incredibly captivating piece choreographed and performed by Grace Cuny, and with her dance partner Hape Endrenyi, the pair told a childlike story filled with quirks and wonder. Entitled “Painters,” this piece brought smiles and audible laughs to the faces of audience members.
Joy
Entitled “Jet Set,” Reid Conlon choreographed his Broadway piece to a song from the musical “Catch Me If You Can.” The upbeat piece featuring an ensemble of nine, all dressed as flight attendants, was the perfect closing number. With kick lines, twists, turns, and lifts, this piece brought the program to the perfect ending.
The choreographers, dance staff, stage crew, artistic directors, and dancers all worked incredibly hard to put on this breathtaking event. If you didn’t catch this semester’s Brown Bag, don’t worry. The weeklong Fall Hope Dance Concert begins Nov. 11. For tickets, call (214)-768-2787.
