Jetés sliced through the air at Southwestern College's dance show "Moveable Feasts." Dancers performed an array of pieces that ranged from traditional African dance to Latin Ballroom.
Unity through dance seemed to be the theme of the piece."Roots" was choreographed and danced by Swift Skillz, Devonna Gentry, Jarmar Jackson, Jonathan Mendoza and Brenda Saldana.
Performing genres in which the dancer must create their own beat, these brilliant dancers brought audience members back to their "Roots."
Skillz and Gentry started off with "step," a style in which the dancers use their hands and feet to create beats. Jackson joined in dancing tap, a good-hearted attempt to show up the steppers. His multiple pullbacks wowed the audience and his mock stepping made many laugh. While the dancers conversed, Mendoza and Saldana, who were dressed as elders with masks and canes, walked on stage and began to dance "El Baile de los Viejitos," a Folklorico dance from Michoacan, Mexico, causing some audience members to shout "Viva Mexico." Eventually all members fell into the same beat.
"Roots" captured an important element of dance, the unity that all dancers share in the passion of the performing art. It also showcased that though every style of dance is distinct, everyone can still dance together.
"One," choreographed by dance teacher Colleen Shipowski, was a fun number that was adequate for the finale. Nearly flawless, this cabaret-inspired piece was exciting the whole way through. Dancers had top hats as props and utilized them well. At the end of the piece, dancers proceed to a high kick line similar to one of the Radio City Rockettes. Each battement was as straight and powerful as the one before.
A three-piece modern/hip-hop entitled "Unintentional," choreographed by Jaami Waali opened the first act. The dance was able to keep the audience's attention with its sneaky and clean transitions into different dance styles.
Dancers floated across the stage in red costumes dancing modern which created a soothing vibe.
After a quick pause the music changed as did the dancer's costumes as they got down to a hip-hop beat. The dancers made yet another costume change and finished the piece with modern
Sensual moves executed by Evangelina Cadena and Armando Munoz heated up the stage in "Alma Latina" choreographed by Sergio and Gaby.
Cadena wore a poodle skirt and Munoz donned a leather jacket as they danced to a song from "Grease" in Spanish. Next, the dancers tore off their 50s attire and began to dance salsa in their new costumes. Clean footwork and nice execution earned them a loud applause from the audience.
Dedication to the art of dance was apparent in "Moveable Feasts" through dancers like Alejandro Valdez, Katie LeLievre, and Chanel Caraza, who were all in at least three pieces. Dancers and choreographers worked long hours and put their hearts into "Moveable Feasts" and it showed. Variety, passion and creativity all came together to make an inspiring and impressionable evening of performing art.
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