Dance Ensemble performs riveting fall concert

The UNCC dance department gave another memorable performance at the Robinson Hall
Theatre Thursday- Sunday.
The performance opened with the sounds of slow violin chords and the sight of a narrow
passageway of light glowing from one side of the stage to the other. Assistant Professor Gretchen
Alterowitz choreographed the Trek Takes Focus, One by one dancers in short green dresses
entered the stage until they all began to move in and out of patterns, partner work, and solos.
Sometimes opposition and separation can grow overwhelming, but Alterowitz brought
the dancers together at just the right times. Although there were moments when a few fell from
the group, the dancers mostly stayed in unison.
Throughout the dance, the dancers kept their focus both on each other and their
movements. With repeated choreography and engaged focus between the dancers, the Trek
Takes Focus was no light and happy ballet but an intense contemporary dance that explored the
focus needed to perfect and master the treks of life.
Associate Professor E. E. Balcos choreographed the second dance, Of Many People,
Places and Things. Choreographed in six sections, each created a different sense that was aided
with images in the background. With sunrises, sunsets, trees and gardens, the dance seemed to
explore aspects of life from trials to blessings.
Though the choreography was often repeated, it seemed to always suggest something
new and in it existed beautiful moments of complete unity. Sometimes a dancer suspended a

pose or projected in such a way that created an impact on the audience, and despite the
distracting, baggy clothes, these moments shone through to complete the dance.
Associate Professor Delia Neil restaged the third piece, the beautiful Pax De Deux from
Romeo and Juliets balcony scene, originally choreographed by Sir Kenneth McMillan in 1938.
The moon shone through to light a balcony and both stood against a deep blue sky. This
enthralling dance was nothing short of beautiful and romantic. Jordan Stevens danced with the
innocence of a young girl in love and the grace of a trained ballerina. Alex Barnes played the
charming Romeo with strength and endurance. A few times they lost their balance, but they
never lost their connection. As collegiate dancers, the duet performed one of the most loved and
admired professional Pax De Deuxs in ballet history.
The evening closed with Assistant Professor Kim Joness Unbound. Her choreography
contrasted the pure, innocent love displayed in the previous dance with seductive and sensual
movements carried with fiery red and black costumes and backgrounds. Instead of straight
classical music, the classical sounds were fused by Alex Davis with percussive beats. The
dancers didnt miss a beat. Their percussive movements stayed together but also highlighted
different soloists. The choreography included high jumps, low floor work, male and female
partnering, and intense eye contact. The piece crossed traditional modern technique with free
street forms. As the dancers lowered themselves in a plank to the floor, the red curtains closed,
the lights dimmed, and the audience exhaled as they were finally able to catch their breath.