November Dances 2008

Dance was recently added to my list of explorations after I visited the Bryan Center at Duke University. On Sunday, the Reynolds Theater hosted November Dances 2008, a semester-end performance featuring Duke students. The dance concert showcased a mix of Modern Dance, Ballet, and African Dance, providing a perfect opportunity to see different dance forms on the same stage. The performances included "My Body - My House," "Meet Clair," "Ve' Ve'," "A Proper Hysteric," and "Torelli." The first and last pieces were modern dances, while the second and fourth were vibrant ballet performances. "Ve' Ve'," choreographed by Mr. Vin Sett, is an African fusion dance that depicts the ritual art of ground painting. While African dance captivated me with its mood and movement, modern dance challenged me to understand the themes of the performances. I am particularly fascinated by the coordination displayed by the ballet group as they stand perfectly on their toes.