Photo By Mijail Jones / Staff
By Jett Jackson
Dance students sent the year’s best global message. No Gmail in sight.
“Global Rhythms” was an ambitious display of international grace, energy and elegance.
Appreciative audiences packed the four-day extravaganza that featured 75 dancers and 15 choreographers, including director Dana Maué-Donaldson.
Shannon Mueller’s ballet “Ittaikan: Feeling of Oneness” and Gina Sorenson’s contemporary “Love and Armor” were spellbinding and set the tone for featured 14 international styles and an array of music, including polyrhythmic African drumming and plaintiff Billie Eilish.
Projector displays provided historical context and fun facts. Short videos of rehearsals were an added treat.
Special guest choreographer Ukrainian ballroom dancer Yelyzaveta Hyzhko led a Viennese waltz. Afro-Cuban instructor Juan Carlos Blanco choreographed the spectacular multicultural fínale.
Joy to the world, indeed.
