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StumbleuponDCDC REVIEW
Founder's influence lives on
Many popular costumes reflect influence of movies
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
DAYTON — The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company opened its 40th season Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Victoria Theatre with a program by four choreographers trained by late founder Jeraldyne Blunden.
The lone premiere was "Still Present" by Gina Walther, which evoked Blunden's indomitable drive and dedication to bringing out the best in others.
The message of two ensemble movements and Alise Craig's expressive solo was that the founder is still there, in the air and in the company's movements.
Internationally known choreographer Dwight Rhoden was a novice in 1991 when he took the new choreographer's leap of faith to create "Beyond a Cliff" for DCDC.
Because his later work often brims with big, flashy movements done full out, it was a pleasure to linger over phrases like these: dancers chopping the air with hands pressed together sideways, undulating their hips as a result of stepping quickly forward in tiny, rolling steps, or repeatedly pulling their feet together and apart while standing upright.
Crystal Michelle and William B. McClellan Jr. were a couple on the verge of ending or evolving their relationship in Shonna Hickman Matlock's 2002 duet "Unresolved.
Debbie Blunden-Diggs' spiritual "In My Father's House" is a company signature piece that served two purposes: reviving the faithful and initiating the newcomers — both dancers and audience members.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or tmorris@DaytonDailyNews
.com.
