[media-credit name=”Roosevelt Palafox/Staff” align=”alignright” width=”200″][/media-credit]

Daniel Meza and Adriana Hernandez brought passion and style to their performance.

Dance is as ancient as humanity and as varied in its forms as clouds streaming overhead on a spring afternoon. From the joyful 2-year-old hopping around in the backyard to the discipline of a prima ballerina, dance remains the window to the soul of humanity.

Variety reigned in Danceland, the spring recital choreographed and performed by SWC students before an appreciative throng in Mayan Hall. Whirling celebrations of Mexican folk dance shared the board with the pumping MTV steps of Lady Gaga. SWC’s sparkling diversity fueled a rich line-up of decades-spanning dances that left the audience calling for more.

“Back to the 1920s” was a crowd pleaser featuring 13 dancers who tapped along to the song “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool. Dazzling and full of personality, they unified a Roaring ‘20s burlesque with contemporary moves.

“Los Infieles” was performed to Bachata music and steered away from the sleaziness of popular music videos. Three pairs of male and female dancers mirrored each other’s moves, standing front to back with little separation. This allowed the piece to be daring but tasteful, a dash of sexy flavor that remained classy.

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” was a step number straight out of the movie “ATL,” rhythmic slapping of the hands and stomping of the feet filled the hall with a soul powered passionate sound. Clever comical interruptions carried the performance to the climax where a jarring vocal solo was delivered by one of the dancers, leaving everything out of the stage.

“Elysium” was striking and full of stage balance. Brilliant choreography provided depth and the dancer’s execution was first-class. Elegant moves moved focus smoothly through all the performers, like watching the ripples on a pond.

“All The Lonely People” was danced to the song “Eleanor Rigby” and felt delicate and heartwarming as the tune’s iconic melody. Two dancers gracefully carried themselves around the stage displaying classic ballet moves. A sweet nostalgia grew from the dancers’ connection.

Expressive lighting set a mood and always put dance in focus. Creative and energetic choreography step-by-step with well-rehearsed execution fueled a quality production. Danceland was a celebration of creativity and a show case of talent. SWC’s dance program is on solid footing.