Philadanco — a Philadelphia Dance Company — graced Memorial Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Sept. 23. The modern dance company fused electrifying African-American dance with jazz, ballet and modern movement. The dancers practice "five days a week, Monday through Wednesday… And Saturday and Sunday," said dancer Alicia Lundgren.
The performance was divided into four compelling sections. The spicy opening dance "Bolero Too," was a Spanish themed performance choreographed by Christopher L. Huggins. He directed a full company piece bursting with spicy movement and music by Ravel. The performance examined male and female relationships and interaction.
The choreography was a combination of African dance and ballet. The second performance, "By way of the funk," was as funkadelic as the name suggests.
Jawole Willa Jo Zollar choreographed a piece that was far out in every way. Female dancers wore white wigs and the men danced in pleather pants to soul and funk.
The performance created a party mood, bringing a Soul Train and Studio 54 feel. It made you want to jump on stage and join Philadanco in the Soul Train line. Durham Native Hope Boykin premiered her new piece, "Watching Go by the Day."
Boykin Choreographed a brilliant piece with live jazz music. "Live music and live musicians makes such a difference," said Lundgren. "Watching Go by the Day" showed a full day in the lives of working people with creative lighting and tasteful jazz choreography. "Enemy behind the gates," Choreographed by Christopher L. Huggins was another beautiful piece.
The piece portrayed the preparation of going to war with the thump of heavy drums. The progression of this piece was great and really gave the feel of war through the lighting, music, and choreography.
Philadanco gave a dazzling and compelling performance combining elements of African dance, ballet, jazz, and modern dance.































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