A2 Jazz Dancers felt the heat on Friday

By Charity Atchison

For the Daily

The eight-member Ann Arbor Jazz Dance Theater premiered two of their latest works in a showcase last Friday at the Mendelssohn Theater.

"Life After" was by far the most enjoyable piece of the evening. Carrying a tranquil feeling, "Life After" evolved from peacefulness into happiness. The solo, performed by Leanne Supernaw, was enjoyable. Supernaw gave the illusion of being in flight, and her movements mimicked those of a swan.

The choreography, directed by Adam and Lisa Darby Clark, seemed at its best during this solo. Supernaw utilized the entire stage, and demonstrated aspects of her technical training. Supernaw's strength was the line of her leg in both arabesque and attitude while the Clarks utilized both poses frequently in this solo.

The Clark's choreography was very suited to the talents of his dancers. Jazz Dance Theater had wonderful turns in unison and beautiful extensions as a whole. The opening piece "Parting of Ways" reflected a very somber tone. Michael Marchand had a stage chemistry with the other dancers, which he showed off in "Parting of Ways" and "Let it Speak." In "Parting of Ways," he seemed a focal character in the plot. At the end of the piece when all of the other dancers shun Darby Clark, he appeared as if he would console her, but left her too, as did the group.

"Parting of Ways" seemed to exhibit an inner conflict between Marchand and Darby Clark from his entrance. During the first section of the piece, Darby Clark sat center stage and stared into the audience. This sequence seemed to be the riskiest of the night. After that, the choreography all became the same.

The ensemble also demonstrated its ability to work as a group. However, as the program continued, the dancers did not appear to be enjoying their work.

"Feel the Heat," for example, had choreography that spoke with the music; however, it was disappointing that more of the dancers failed to become enthralled in the piece. The music and choreography meant to produce a very sexual vibe, but the dancers seemed to skirt around the interpretation of the music.

The final piece of the performance, "In Retrospect," had a jazz feel to it. All of the members of the cast finally danced this piece and made it clear that they enjoyed what they were doing.