The KSU Dance Company celebrated 10 years of dance with their commemorative program titled “TEN.” Under the artistic direction of Ivan Pulinkala and four other respected choreographers, more than 40 dancers were cast in this contemporary program consisting of six different movements. Nearly all four performances at the Stillwell Theater from Nov. 11-14 were sold out.
In the first dance, “1.0,” dancers emulated their moves with that of marionettes as they explored the space of the stage. Joining the dancers, the KSU Percussion Ensemble performed a musical score arranged by Director of Percussion Studies at KSU John Lawless and music major Eric Ramos. The robust thunder of drums accompanied the dancers’ movements with a sense of adventure and gusto.
“We were kind of scared when we found out we were going to have to play the drums,” dancer Sarah Gunter said. The musicians were even more surprised when they discovered that they would be dancing as well, Gunter said.
“The Empty Room” was an emotionally driven rollercoaster of dance. This duet depicted a couple’s journey through the trials and tribulations of life. The varying dances performed by the couple represented the different phases of their tension-filled relationship. Metaphorically ageing as they danced across the stage, the once lively young couple concluded the dance by leaving the audience in wonder.
Tiptoeing across the stage in “Petipa Variations,” the majestic ballerinas proved an incredible amount of pointe technique. The ballerinas captivated the audience’s attention as they eloquently and effortlessly glided across the stage.
In “Accelerate,” the dancers showcased their contemporary dance strengths as they displayed how there is strength in numbers and how the bonds that people form in life can easily be broken. As the tempo of the dance unremittingly increased, the dancers gasped for breath as the audience sat on the edge of their seats.
“Tetraktys” was surely a crowd favorite. The pink and green leotards, complimented by the lighting in this ballet, created an enthralling atmosphere in which the dance seemed to be taking place in a woodland realm. The dancers evoked an emotional response from the audience through their graceful and delicate movements as they danced from corner to corner of the stage.
The overall vibe of “Table Manners 10.5” was mysterious from the very beginning. Paying homage to a table in an innovatively choreographed fashion, the dancers told a story of sacrifice, isolation and fear. A faint heartbeat echoed through the theater as dancer Bekah O’Toole gave her all and was “sacrificed” to the table.
“Each dancer represents a different struggle,” dancer Simon Phillips said.
The accompanying minimalistic soundtrack filled the room with a sense of wonder and curiosity as the dancers eerily caressed the table.
Elena Rao designed the fabulous and diverse assortment of costumes for “TEN” ranging from black leotards to purple and gold sequined vests.
Having forged relationships with the Atlanta Ballet, Rialto Center for the Arts and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the KSU Dance Company provides students with a cornucopia of performance and teaching opportunities.
Enrolling fewer than 10 students in its inaugural year, the KSU Dance Company has become the largest collegiate dance program in Georgia. Pulinkala, Chairman and founder of the Department of Dance at KSU, is proud to announce the launch of a study abroad program for dance majors in Israel beginning in the summer of 2016.
