By Tanya Batson-Savage, Staff Reporter
Choreographer Keita-Marie Chamberlain's piece 'P.A.L.S. (Peace and Love in Society). - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
SHADES OF The Past is the title of the 2004 season of the University Dance Society (USD). The title turns out to be a very apt one.
The programme explains that the name capture's the season's celebration of exceptional dances that have made up the UDS seasons over the past 33 years. However, from Saturday night's show it appeared that only a mere shadow of this past excellence was captured. The programme featured eight dances.
It was surprising, that with the society's history of dances choreographed by the likes of L'Antoinette Stines, Patsy Ricketts and numerous other choreographers experimenting with dance, that Saturday's show was being passed off as a celebration of excellence.
With the exception of a few good pieces, the non-committal 'alright' would have easily described the show. Shades of the Past failed to become one of those shows which would inspire excited letters home.
BEST ATTRIBUTES
One of the best attributes of the society used to be a willingness to experiment combining the enthusiasm of the young dancers and choreographers with the ideas from older more experienced choreographers.
One had to wait until close to intermission before any pieces worthy of the society's history came to the stage. This came with '106 Park Redemption' choreographed by Marlon Simms. 106 Park Redemption distinguished itself by being clearly crafted from imaginative, thoughtful choreography.
'The Dancer's Creed' choreographed by Keita-Marie Chamberlain was another worthwhile piece. The dance which celebrated the teamwork nature of dancing was a work of beautiful simplicity.
Chamberlain's 'P.A.L.S. (Peace and Love in Society) was a fun piece, which made it evident that it was not making it's point because it seemed to be aiming to be more. 'Strip Teaseue' choreographed by Tania Whitby and Melang - choreographed by Kyisha Patterson also showed promise but failed to live up to their potential.
Though it needs much work in its execution, 'Showgirl', performed by Natalie Nicholson was interesting in part because it showed a willingness to experiment. Nicholson had entered the piece in the Tallawa drama competition last year, but failed to develop it in the interim. The piece features a marriage of monologue and dance. However, especially in keeping with the nature of the show, the dance segment could certainly have been better executed.
The second solo in the show, 'Decisions' aptly displayed the skills of its dancer and choreographer Jermaine Rowe.
'Krazy Hype' the dancehall piece was probably the most disappointing piece in the show. It's choreographer Tania Whitby, failed to inject any imagination in the creation of the dance.
'Krazy Hype' mainly featured a string of dancehall moves done to very good dancehall mix featuring songs covering over a decade in dancehall history. While it would have been a commendable work for a fledgling high school troupe, it is completely beneath the capabilities of UDS.
Another failing of the show, was the dancers themselves. With a few exceptions, most of them danced with only their bodies, failing to give a full performance which could captivate the audience.
The result is that while Shades of the Past may speak of where the University Dance Society is now, it is only the merest shadow of where they have been.
