???Pure talent, passion and drive guided the members of the Zodiaque Dance Company to a memorable and fulfilling performance Friday night at the Drama Theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts.
Celebration 35 not only represents versatility and a new approach to traditional dance, but also instills strong values of collaboration and dedication as dancers, directors and choreographers. Without the work of everyone involved, it is clear the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Zodiaque would have been mediocre compared to its high standards and constant aura of professionalism. ???
"Zodiaque 35 was a brilliant display of the university's dance department, faculty and students. This show showcased the artistic and athletic excellence of the dancers and choreographers and demonstrated tremendous versatility in dance training," said Kelly Halvorsen, a sophomore dance and psychology major. ???
Zodiaque is not an average dance company; their performance contained elements of jazz, tap, ballet, modern and experimental dance converging to create an expression of pure beauty. ???
Not only does the company represent versatility, but also the aptitude of the dancers' talent is astonishing. The first piece set the tone for the entirety of the performance. Female dancers dressed in white demonstrated a modern dance with three parts entitled, "Reel, Drift, Churn." ???
The male dancers of the company performed a moving piece to the text based on Edgar Allen Poe's, "A Tell-Tale Heart." ???
The audience watched on baited breath as the dancers' strength and talent was cast in the spotlight. With each step and turn, their emotions and expressiveness captivated their fans' attention. ???
"It felt good. It gave me, as well as everyone else, an extra boost of energy. We had a really good audience too. I feel very honored. It's a big accomplishment and it's awesome participating in the 35th anniversary," said Patrick Leahy, a seasoned member of Zodiaque and sophomore dance major. ???
Noteworthy Jason Stotz and Colleen Walsh performed a touching piece entitled "1 Luv." The dancers were able to express being in love through movement. ???
Perhaps a true definition of Zodiaque's uniqueness can be attributed to "The Elements," a performance wherein the dancers represented air, water, fire and earth. With eclectic music, the ability of the performers to represent a large range of style and emotion made the piece entrancing. ???
Without the costumes, lighting and music, the performance as a whole would not have been nearly as stirring as it was. Each costume was chosen carefully to match the choreography and movements of the dancers. The lighting created a certain atmosphere the evoked different feelings about each dancer. ???
But the most impressive part of the performance was the choreography featuring an array of creativity that showcased the talent of each member.
"There are those of us who believe that the spaces where we dance become sacred dancing grounds. I think that those who contribute to the dance share in that magic. How lovely that we have had the privilege of working with so many beautiful and talented people," said Linda Homeyer Swiniuch, founding director of Zodiaque Dance Company. ???
Ending with a piece entitled "Moments in Love..." the company gathered on stage dressed in black to dance as one. ???
A slide show was played as a pictorial commemoration and celebration of the dancers, faculty, and friends who were dedicated throughout Zodiaque's graceful journey from a small group of dancers in the Theatre Department in 1973 to what it is today: a highly evolved group of select individuals demonstrating the best of dance. ???
The Zodiaque Dance Company will perform Celebration 35 until Sunday at the Drama Theatre.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
