Spring Break
The Daily OrangeDance event celebrate's King's legacy
By Jackie Saunders
Posted: 1/30/06, 12:44 AM EST Section: Pulp
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Each beat of the drum demanded the feet to twist. Each stomp and touch became more bewitching to the eye. The sleek bodies graced the stage with distinctive movements and attitude as arms rose and fell creating a sublime spectacle reminiscent of traditional African dance. A pyramid-like pose signals the end of the dancer's performance and the spell is dissolved by a sea of applause and cheers.
Syracuse University's Creations Dance Troupe is one of the groups who performed in the presentation of "Dancing in the Dream." The Jan. 27 dance recital served as the final farewell for Dream Week 2006, commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King's influence and memory.
Erin Mclaughlin, the events master of ceremonies and a junior history major, stated the theme of the event involves King's creed, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Injustice could not withstand the diverse talent and determined feet that graced the Goldstein Auditorium stage.
"I think music and dance are the two art forms that transcend race," said Anwar Nasir, a communication and rhetorical studies major, who is enjoying his senior year as a dancer with the Caribbean-inspired Kalabash Dance troupe. "We can all unite under the arts. People all over the world enjoy music and dance."
The audience could not help but sing along when Kalabash gave a lively performance to the music of Missy Elliot and Sean Paul. The bright colors of the costumes accentuated each move as Kalabash enthusiastically earned every whoop and holler.
Trinace Hickson, a dancer and sophomore English and textual studies major, hoped to convey Caribbean culture through reggae, calypso, and soca styles of dancing.
"I enjoy being on stage and watching the audience members really embracing the dancing, getting involved and singing the songs," Hickson said.
Other performers included Danceworks, the Latino dance troupe RAICES and the African-American dance troupe Creations.
Crimson lighting cast a sultry glow over the trio of dancers from Danceworks whose lithe limbs illustrated an original interpretation of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good."
Created in 1998, RAICES, which means "roots" in Spanish, is the only Latino dance troupe at SU. Troupe member Meli Escano, a freshman international relations major, twirled effortlessly to "Yo Trego Fuego" with her partner and understands the significance of "Dancing in the Dream."
"This is a collaboration of different ethnicities and dance troupes and it is unity," Escano said. "We need more events like this on campus."
An animated crowd gathered after the event to discuss the night's performances. Clarence Cross III, a junior broadcast journalism major, was especially impressed by the event.
"I enjoyed the eclectic dancing groups, the lighting was excellent and the front-row seat was a plus," said Cross who smiled and gestured towards the chair.
Mclaughlin, who is a member of the Office of Residence Life diversity committee, believes the event is an appropriate way to end the week's activities with a physical representation of King's dream. The recital was also an opportunity for the dance troupes to publicize for their upcoming shows in the spring.
"We have a common bond, us dancers," said Nasir, who scanned the auditorium and listened for the shouts of welcoming gestures between dancers. "We are one big community."
