Sedona News
Dance Festival Dares Audiences with Bold, Unforgettable Concepts
The second Sedona Dance Festival, hosted by the Sedona Dance Project, unfolded at the Sedona Performing Arts Center on May 3, showcasing a diverse array of performances.
The evening began with “Aham: The Beautiful Self,” a piece that masterfully fused traditional Indian dance with a contemporary narrative. Two dancers, adorned in saris, mirrored each other’s movements around a wheeled structure revealed as a mirror. This exploration of self and reflection culminated in a moment where one dancer crossed through the mirror, offering inspiration to her counterpart. The execution was precise, effectively combining skillful mime with the dance’s deeper themes.
Transitioning from India to Ireland, “Dance of the Druids,” choreographed by festival founder Danielle McNeal-Strabala, featured students from the Sedona Dance Academy. Their movements embodied a fluid, almost ethereal quality, capturing the essence of Druidic mystique in a fleeting performance. Following this, “Work in Progress” introduced a contrasting energy. Two dancers depicted a chaotic exploration, shifting roles with exuberance, presenting a joyous yet confused dynamic responsive to the accompanying music.
However, “Inner Sanctum on the Outside of My Sleeve” fell flat compared to its predecessors. This performance explored the theme of personal struggle through a dancer confined within an imaginary box, symbolized by a square spotlight. Choreographer Marko Westwood’s intention was to illustrate the isolation felt in a chaotic world, yet the representation seemed disconnected from its intended message.
The second act commenced powerfully with Desert Dance Theatre’s “Journey of the Shadow Walkers.” Inspired by historical events such as the Trail of Tears, this piece transcended into a broader commentary on human behavior. Dancers dressed in a zombie motif showcased the tension between rigidity and movement, symbolizing the evolution of culture and collective knowledge.
Several shorter pieces followed, offering variety but varying impact. “People’s Windows” demonstrated technical prowess without much complexity, while “Support, Love, Hope” engaged straightforward themes of solidarity. “Gravity of Impermanence” attempted to connect dance with deeper narrative themes, yet the execution felt disjointed.
Stronger moments emerged with solos from Sedona Dance Academy’s Jessica Phillips and Eric Lindemer. Lindemer’s performance, set to Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” radiated determination and positivity, while Phillips’ “Drift” showcased her remarkable control and fluidity, evoking the strength of ocean currents.
The festival concluded with “Light Shared,” also choreographed by McNeal-Strabala. Local musicians Tyler Carson and Nic Leo enrichened the performance with their original Galician-inspired composition. Their collaboration elevated the final moments as dark figures reached for the sky, ultimately drawn into a harmonious circle around Carson, whose music transformed their movements into a captivating tableau.
