At OCU, poetry is expressed through dance
Oklahoma City University has long been noted for excellence. In performing arts, it is evident from the quality of production in theater, music, musical theater and dance.
John Bedford, dean of OCU’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management, and Jo Rowan, chairman of the OCU dance school and founder of the American Spirit Dance Company, are quite a team.
Since 1981, the American Spirit Dance Company has showcased a revue that reveals the exceptional talents of the students attending OCU. The program is exciting and beautiful, showcasing the specific and special contributions in American Dance.
There are elements of ballet in the repertoire of every dancer, but the American Spirit Dance Company concentrates on theater dance, jazz, tap and modern dance and the elements that are distinctly American in origination and/or culture.
The revue, held every spring, utilizes the talents of each company member, and there are 112 members of the company. There are too many individual performers to mention by name, but their talent should be recognized.
Bedford produces the revue, and Rowan directs. Each astounding vignette is a separate masterpiece usually choreographed by faculty members and showcasing the talents of the performing students. These students are ready for professional status and will be dancing someplace such as Broadway or Las Vegas one day.
Dance is about revealing the beauty of the soul through line, movement, timing, strength and grace. The emotions displayed often are extremely sensual, and the resulting impact is profound.
The American Spirit Dance Company certainly says something quite significant in every revue it performs. This year’s performance is gone and will never be seen again in live performance, but the essence revealed will be duplicated with the next revue.
Then a surprise awaits: will it be as adorable as the dinosaur surrounding Prisca Lynch or Audrey Schultz from 2017? Or will it be as exciting as the tappity
I also can’t ignore the poetic lyrics.
The record continues with “My My She Cries,” a brief track I interpret as about loss and identity. It serves as a somber transition to my favorite song on the record, “Peace In the Valley.”
“Peace In the Valley” is a calm track with jazz undertones. I love when King repeats the title of the song at the end.
I think this would make a fitting title track, as this record revolves around an oasis theme. Everyone can appreciate King’s melancholic search for peace and escape, which are often simultaneous.
The theme continues in “Feeling Sad Tonight” and “Gotta Get Through Another Day.”
“Stand Behind Me” features my favorite lyrics on the record, simple and reassuring.
“Bitter With the Sweet” is another of my favorite tracks; it’s catchy and wise. If you’re having a rough day, I recommend listening to this song for advice that applies to both life and coffee. You’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet The record concludes with “Been to Canaan,” the single and hit on this album. It’s a soothing song, providing all the same comforts as a warm towel or chocolate chip cookie.
Carole King is musical comfort food. tap and smooth moves seen in 2017? Will it be exotic, playful, controversial and amusing, as well?
Magnificent costumes from Jessica Olson Telfer add to the dance immeasurably. Technical expertise behind the scenes makes it possible to perform as a result of Bedford’s additional duties designing sound.
Carla Richard, stage manager and moving light designer, is essential, and the contributions of Steve Estes as technical director, as well as lighting designer, are important. In some presentations, dancers also vocalize. Their songs have been enhanced with the assistance of vocal coach, Marita Stryker. With an excellent crew, Rowan is a director with the clear ability to inspire her students to leap even higher literally, as well as in their dreams.
For information on any upcoming events in the performing arts, go to www.okcu.edu and click on dance and entertainment or call the OCU box office at 208-5227. Oklahoma City University is located at 2501 N Blackwelder.