The 23rd annual Fusion Dance Show underscores the benefits of moving beyond past traditions to deal with changing circumstances. As articulated by co-director Heather McLeod '06 in the show's program, "When the rules of the past no longer apply to us in the present, you must change."
The ability to change requires both mental and physical flexibility and knowledge of past traditions and possible alternatives. Throughout the show, change is demonstrated in the versatility of its dancers and pieces. Performances range from classical and ballet-like dancing - such as "Winter," choreographed by Divya Kumaraiah '07 - to the fast-paced and sharp movements of "Genocide License," choreographed by Oneca Hitchman '06.
The talent of the company begins to truly shine in "Jamaican Dance Clip" and "What's Right is Right and What's Wrong is Wrong..." In "Jamaican Dance Clip," a number that is both awe-inspiring and engaging, Dianna Anderson '09 and Hitchman, who choreographed the dance, move with great elegance while also picking up on the fun aspect of the music. On the other hand, in "What's Right is Right and What's Wrong is Wrong..." choreographed by McLeod, it is only the freestyle words of rap artist Talib Kweli that serve as a basis for the movements of dancers Anderson, Christina Boursiquot '08, Karina Ikezoe '09, Alexander Leydon '07, John McCutcheon '06, McLeod and Ramel Murphy '06. Despite the absence of music, the dancers are able to express the pulsating rhythm of Kweli's words through their pointed motions.
The second act is as varied and as strong as the first. The second number, "Samba Dance Interlude," directed by guest choreographer Russell Monk and performed by Murphy and Wen-Chuan Dai '06, combines sheer talent with grace and ease to produce a truly spectacular interpretation of the sexy Latin dance.
In "A New Life for Me," Murphy, who choreographed the dance, wrote in the program that his own range of emotions served as the basis for the piece, describing it as "a representation of the energetic, uplifting and aggressive feelings I have when I dance." Combining a wide variety of dance genres - including African, hip hop, dance hall and house - the performance perfectly demonstrates the company's talent and range. Ultimately, audience members are left in awe by the creativity they have just witnessed and fully inspired by the power of change.
The high-caliber tradition of the Fusion Dance Company is certainly maintained by this year's performance. The show continues Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Ashamu Dance Studio.
