Impact Theater to dance annual show

Courtesy of Impact Dance Theatre The Impact Dance Theatre will perform this weekend.

Dance, dance, dance! It seems that the University has been enveloped in this wonderful artform in the 1998-99 season. One only needs to think of Bill T. Jones, Trinity Irish Dance, Razzmatazz! and Merce Cunningham to realize this profusion. This weekend, in addition to Meryl Tankard Australian Dance Theatre, the University community will have the opportunity to witness its very own talented performers. But we are not speaking of students in the dance department, but majors from all other fields of study. Yes, it is time for the Impact Dance Theatre Show, brought to you once a year.

I have witnessed their explosive shows in the past. What seemed novel in their repertoire was the pure enjoyment, a sort of dance for dance's sake element which can be so masked by the many academically inclined interpretations. One can understand and enjoy their program, for it is basically composed of 15 dancers doing what they love.

As group member Abby Addair commented, "There is a cultural stigma associated with dance, that it is a few ballerinas turning." But she explained that even to those who don't know much about dance, Impact shows are explosive in many ways, and are crowd pleasers. "The audience members don't need to feel like they are sacrificing a Friday or Saturday night, they will still have fun at the show," Adair said.

There will be 13 pieces performed, and almost all members of the company have choreographed a piece. The choreographer gets to chose the dancers involved. The group consists of 13 women and two men. Adair said, "It is a new element that two men are part of Impact Dance, and they are exciting additions to the group." Out of the approximately 100 auditioners, only a handful get picked each year. The company, while only having one formal show each year, takes part of University events, such as "Dance Marathon" and "Encompass."

With music by artists ranging from Janis Joplin to Tori Amos, and pieces from soundtracks like "Studio 54" and "Rent," the show is sure to have a sampling for every type of audience member. And there will even be musical guests, the a capella group "Gimble in the Wabe."

Impact has been part of the University Activities Center since the '70s, and has received a revival in years past. As Adair commented, "Our increased name recognition has contributed to our packed and lively crowds." This year's show is bound to be a worthy part of the incredible dance season with which we have been blessed.

02-19-99