Transformative and Innovative NEIU Repertory Dance Ensemble

The audience in the auditorium theater was treated to both awe and captivating delight in transformative dance on March 18th and 19th. This was due to the sophisticated combination of both ultra-modern and classic dance presented by the NEIU repertory dance ensemble under the visionary artistic direction of Venetia Stifler. The show began with an ensemble piece titled "Appalachian Journey" that had the entire repertory dance ensemble weaving a mystic parade of motion that inspired images of a modern day folk dance with a flicker of old-time Soul Train influence.

A wonderful aspect of this piece was its element of surprise – once I thought I had it pegged, it broke apart and transformed into another form. This "skitter" style of dance was astounding in its complexity while celebrating the unique capabilities of each individual dancer. The evening beautifully celebrated classic dance in ballet, modern and the flamenco tradition while new forms of street dance crept in with clattering clarity and creativity. The sole consternation of the evening was an annoying flock of shutter bugs that – while not using their flashes - clicked their cameras throughout the show.

Paul Sansardo's "Density" spotlighted Christina Eltvedt's angelic fluidity of motion as she flitted about the stage as if she were a bird, Alludier lo que fue (Alluding to what was) featured Juan Carlos Castellon and Leticia Strange Aravena dancing to the theme song from American Beauty in a beautifully romantic piece that reflected elements of flamenco while clearly standing on it's own. The energy between these two gifted dancers positively crackled with sensuality. My Battle featured innovative choreography by Daniel Aguirre and Nina Kelly in a pop-lock style of street-savvy dance performance that left the audience longing for more. FB me was an amusing exploration of the multi-faceted ways in which the agile team of Leonard Perez and Laura Jean Burgess each danced while creatively exploring the dimensions of chairs. The influence of technology on dance was visceral in this evocative piece that had audience members laughing out loud.

La Feria De Andalucia, the gypsy style of flamenco choreographed by Irma Suarez Ruiz was an incredibly dramatic and delightful conclusion to this amazing evening of dance. The company performed spot-on as two young girls (Nadia Quinones and Yisrael Spurgeon from the Ensemble Espanol Youth Company) captivated the audience, and the undulating rhythm of the flamenco dancers featured women across the generations joining together in celebration of this beautiful art. The men twirled their capes in a sunburst pattern that was so inspiring, a young man in the second row emulated them as they twirled their way into the collective imagination in this once in a lifetime performance that rendered even the heaviest heart happy.