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Dance Sat Aug 21 2010
Under Construction Dance Project Examines Gender
Last night at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield, Under Construction Dance Project presented the first night of their show, "Socio-Analytic Perspectives on Gender Culture through Dance." In order to present their examination of gender through dance, co-creators, Philip Elson and Samantha Spriggs, students of the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, took advantage of Links Hall's Linkages program, which provides studio space and tech support for self-producing artists. Their three-night production features other Columbia University dance and performing arts students, as well as independent artists from the Chicago area.
The show proved a mix of dance and improv theatre, with dancers bursting into speech when least expected. The combination punctuated the show with moments of pure hilarity, as well as uncomfortable honesty. Performers seemed to share details straight from their own lives, particularly during Elson's Big Boys Don't Cry, which scrutinized and challenged stereotypes of masculinity. While parts of the piece seemed contrived, the work succesfully created laughter around traditional definitions of gender.
The WOMP is Always Gayer on the Other Side, the evening's centerpiece, emerged as the highlight of the show. Choreographed and performed by Elson and Spriggs, the piece showcased two individuals in an argument, each trying to communicate a point with contrasting movements. As the argument became heated, the ironic music provided comic relief to what might otherwise have been an intense, heated scene. Particularly fun to watch, the piece exhibited both the choreographic potential, and technical skill of its creators.
For an inexpensive evening of dance, "Socio-Analytic Perspectives on Gender Culture through Dance" provides some highlights worth seeing, and some chuckles worth having. Elson and Spriggs present their program again tonight, August 21, at 8 pm, and Sunday, August 22, at 7 pm, in Links Hall Studio, 3435 N. Sheffield. Tickets are $10, $7 for students. To reserve your ticket, visit Brown Paper Tickets.
Dan / August 24, 2010 6:38 PM
It is nice that these individuals have a place to work at and an opportunity to share their creativity. Sounds interesting. Thanks for sharing!
- Dan
http://downcomfortersetsonsale.com