The OU School of Dance opens Contemporary Dance Oklahoma this weekend, a University Theatre production that features works by two internationally renowned guest choreographers and three faculty members.
Choreographed by Ulysses Dove, “Vespers” weaves together the tales of six women confronting life’s tribulations inspired by memories of his grandmother's place of worship.
Emma Lozano performing "Vespers" by Ulysses Dove during the Contemporary Dance Oklahoma dress rehearsal on Apr. 25.
“While it's not necessarily religious, there is a sense of spirit and it reflects women in Ulysses Dove’s family. There’s a seriousness and somberness that’s in the work,” Contemporary Dance Oklahoma Artistic Director Roxanne Lyst said.
While a dancer with the New York City-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Lyst performed “Vespers” and other work by the company’s artistic director Robert Battle, whose choreography will also be featured in Contemporary Dance Oklahoma with “Awakening.”
As an instructor who performed “Vespers” professionally, Lyst said she doesn’t take the responsibility of preparing OU dance students lightly.
“'Vespers' was one of my favorite works to perform, and I had seven years of professional experience before I did it,” Lyst said. “I feel a huge responsibility to make sure that the integrity of the work is there for the students.”
Dove’s choreographic style is characterized by speed and athleticism, with the powerful cast of female dancers in “Vespers” frequently having to propel themselves between rows of chairs to a percussive score.
Battle’s choreography in “Awakening” also demands stamina, with dancers almost constantly running and jumping to resemble the internal chaos created by death.
Inspired by Battle's own life, “Awakening” derives from his connection to Alvin Ailey’s presence, with the dance’s storyline beginning the moment after his death.
Dancers performing "Awakening" by Robert Battle during the Contemporary Dance Oklahoma dress rehearsal on April 25.
Modern dance senior Kimber Harlan is one of 12 dancers cast in “Awakening.” In preparation for Contemporary Dance Oklahoma, Battle briefly visited OU to work on the piece with dancers.
“His advice for his dance and how we performed it was very eye-opening,” Harlan said. “It was more about the meaning behind each movement and how you should feel when performing.”
“Awakening” showcases a diverse cast, drawing from the foundations of the Alvin Ailey company, which is rooted in empowering African American culture.
“The dance is already so important, just because the lead is a person of color,” Harlan said. “I hope for the audience, especially people of color, that they are inspired because they’re being represented.”
Anthony Glosson Jr. performing "Awakening" by Robert Battle during the Contemporary Dance Oklahoma dress rehearsal on Apr. 25.
Alongside faculty works by Austin Hartel and Leslie Kraus, Lyst created a piece titled “Orangery,” a reference to greenhouses that house growing fruit trees.
“You would only store a fruit tree if it was valuable to you, otherwise you would let it die and plant it again the next year,” Lyst said. “(The dancers) are the valuable things inside of the structure, and they go through an emotional journey.”
Kameron Bryant and Julian Cottrell performing "Orangery" by Roxanne Lyst during the Contemporary Dance Oklahoma dress rehearsal on Apr. 25.
Lyst began creating the piece last summer in tandem with the OU School of Dance summer intensive.
Throughout its development, Lyst said the classical music she selected for the piece inspired her to incorporate balletic movement. Lyst also explained that her piece plays to the strengths of graduating dancers.
As this year’s Contemporary Dance Oklahoma ensues, Lyst said she wants to underscore the significance of performing and seeing OU students in works by such acclaimed choreographers.
“There's nothing like seeing dance in person,” Lyst said. “Seeing the sweat, hearing the music and the dancers breathing.”
Showtimes for Contemporary Dance Oklahoma are 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Reynolds Performing Arts Center. The show will also run May 2-4. Tickets can be purchased online.
Dancers performing "Orangery" by Roxanne Lyst during the Contemporary Dance Oklahoma dress rehearsal on April 25.
This story was edited by Karoline Leonard and Peggy Dodd. Natalie Armour and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
