Reviewing a dance performance is like being a judge in the movie “Bring It On” – every time you look down to write a note, you can’t help but imagine an overzealous mother berating you for missing that move. And with a show like the Dance Summit, there’s a lot going on that you don’t want to miss.
This year’s Dance Summit presented exactly what its name suggests: a common arena for performances by a collection of Northwestern’s dance groups, organized by the Graffiti Dancers. From jazz hands to hip-hop (and sometimes both simultaneously), the standing-room-only audience in the Ballroom Theater of the Marjorie Ward Marshall Dance Center was treated to two to three short pieces each from nine different groups. Acts were introduced by the comedy troupe Mee-Ow, who performed brief improv games during occasional mini-intermissions.
After a long break and only two weeks of rehearsal, it’s not surprising that each ensemble seemed to still be in the process of finding their own rhythm. Some numbers stretched out far too long, while others’ song choices were disorganized and in need of better mixing. And some groups simply lacked flair, whether in the form of showing off technique or in expression.
Not that there weren’t a few fantastic standouts that evening. The Fusion Dance Company, for one, not only popped and locked with precision and skill, but each and every dancer brought a sense of pure, infectious joy and enthusiasm to the floor. TONIK Tap also stirred emotions in a moving, graceful number set to a flowing piano ballad. Other highlights from the night included the stepping of the strong women of the Movement Dance & Step Team, the fun Broadway musical touch of Steam Heat in a number from “In The Heights” and a jarring, gorgeously choreographed modern dance piece from the New Movement Project.
Despite any lulls or misfires, one thing was clear after the Summit: There was a veritable plethora of talent that shone throughout every performance, whether in the dancers themselves or in the choreography. Although parts of the show didn’t live up to their seeming potential, I couldn’t help but want more. As each group prepares for their own headlining performances in the coming months, I’m sure that Northwestern will see that potential realized. Just make sure to keep your head up-you won’t want to miss a move.
This was originally published in The Current, a weekly supplement to The Daily Northwestern.
