PERFORMING DANCE COMPANY, Marriott Dance Center, University of Utah, May 9-10 & 16-17, 7:30 p.m.; matinee May 17, 2 p.m.
Passion and emotion were the names of the game at the University of Utah Performing Dance Company's spring concert over the weekend.Everything from square dancing to traditional Slavic steps to gospel and human experiences were the focus of the company's stimulating seven-selection program.
One of the highlights included Sara Hook's "Caucasian Spirituals." Gospel choirs, baptism, the inquisitive search for enlightenment and the burden of knowledge were presented in a collage of satirical symbolism.
While some of this selection's segments might offend some (PDC had to post a disclaimer), the overall feel wasn't based on being sacrilegious. Instead, ". . . Spirituals" was a winking glimpse of how far human beings will go to find a diety that fits their preconceived notions.
Metal washtubs were used as pews, fonts and stages as the dancers portrayed miracle pageants, concerts and prayer in thought-provoking imagery.
Speaking of imagery, Janis Brenner's "A Matter of Time" used the ticking of a clock to move its purpose.
Those who have ever experienced or have been close to a disastrous relationship will relate to the theme that finding someone new is only a matter of time.
From mechanical yearnings to a tender pas de deux, the four dancers relayed the turmoils of co-dependency, liberation and renewal during this 1995 dance.
Throughout the evening, guest artist Risa Steinberg - who is currently serving a residency at the U. - took the stage in three classic modern dance works.
Anna Sokolow's "Kaddish" (1945), Jose Limon's "A Choreographic Offering" (1964) and Eleanor King's "Envy and Wrath" (1941) were peppered with Steinberg's own style of passion, intensity and performance. Those three works will also be presented Tuesday, May 20, when Steinberg brings her critically acclaimed "Celebration of Dance" to Kingsbury Hall. Steinberg will present a total of six selections that evening.
While World War II-era works were set on repression and anger, Limon's ". . . Offering" brought joy, reverence and celebration to the audience in a short, snappy work.
"Kaddish," on the other hand, was a dark work that fed on anguish and inner turmoil, as seen by her fists pounding her chest and floor. "Envy and Wrath" kept a similar feel, but in the end, the audience saw two burdened characters dying at the hands of the title's two emotions.
Rounding off the evening was Della Davidson's premiere of "Doll."
Taken from the story "Tosca" from Isabel Allende, "Doll" is a story of a dream-driven woman trapped in a seemingly constrictive relationship who gets out and finds her dreams were just illusions.
"Doll" used spoken narration, singing and music to set and accompany the work. The dancers used up-front and surreal moves to bring the characters to dancing life.
Opening the evening was Alan Sener's nostalgic-Americana "County Fair Down." Square dancing, courtship and reminiscing were caught in energetic leaps, tender lifts and heartbreaking lunges and extensions.
PDC chose a variety of works to showcase the dancers' versatility. And the dancers stood their ground.
For those who missed the weekend's performance, the Performing Dance Company will present the same concert, May 16 and 17. Tickets are $7 general admission and $4 for U. students, faculty and staff.
The Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance is located north of South Campus Drive at 1500 East.