The Quad

Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Entertainment

On Thursday, April 17, 2008, West Chester University's Dance Company premiered its spring production called "Breaking Pointe" in Asplundh Concert Hall. The University Dance Company put on two productions a year.

Faculty primarily choreographs the fall production and the students primarily choreograph the spring production. Out of the 11 scenes in this spring production, only three were created by faculty or a guest choreographer.

"Breaking Pointe" featured hip hop, modern, jazz, tap and improvisationed dance. Their performances without a doubt deserves five out of five stars.

The first scene was "The Lioness Hunt" from "The Lion King," featuring exquisite costumes and dancing. This was followed by "Be the Change." It featured "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer and "With My Own Two Hands" by Ben Harper. Behind the dancers during this scene were pictures of West Chester University's organizations participating in community service.

Although the dance featured slow and careful footwork, it matched the music and theme perfectly and created a flawless routine

After a start with slow music, it quickly heated up during the third scene with music by Delerium. During this scene, dancers dressed like fairies exhibited their more intense dance moves.

Their dance steps became more rigorous and demanding, especially when it came to some of the dancers picking up other dancers.

The fourth act was another Cirque Du Soliel equally as intriguing. The choreography was perfect with the song as the dancers and music became one. It is obvious that the dancers did not just dance to the music - they felt the music.

The fifth act was highly humorous, featuring a 1950s style theme joined by music, dance and costumes. When it seemed like it could not get any better, the audience turned around to see some of the dancers in the aisles.

After a short intermission, a sultry dance followed in which the dancers were allowed to improvise their moves. This proved to the audience what they saw all night: these dancers were truly talented. The dancers and the music, once again, were not separate, but incredibly in sync.

Following this dance, the dancers performed to a song by Rihanna called "Push Up On Me." It was fast paced, upbeat, and once again, well done. This was one of the dances throughout the night that featured males, who showed their skills through performing handstands and break dancing.

Continued...

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