When I remember my childhood, I fondly remember summer evenings spent outdoors staring into the fading sunset through the lens of a kaleidoscope. I gazed in wonder as it transformed ordinary light into a symphony of mesmerizing patterns and colors. With each gentle twist of the cylinder, new shapes and hues were revealed, each arrangement more captivating than the last. It is a testament to the boundless creativity of the human mind and the endless possibilities that emerge when we view the world through a different lens.
Much like the ever-shifting patterns within a kaleidoscope, Noumenon Dance Ensemble (NDE) encompasses a diverse array of talents, styles and backgrounds to create a new perspective for their audiences. Most recently, they used their unique diversity to present the vastness of the human experience in “Under My Skin.” Themes of vulnerability and resilience underscore the bravery required to reveal our authentic selves to others, leading to a sense of comfort and unity in the common human journey.
The performance ran June 7-9 at the Edge Theater and encompassed nine dance works from NDE and two guest artist performances from Lucid Banter Project and J. Lindsay Brown Dance (Trifecta Dance Collective on 6/8). Although each dance stood alone as its own story, the choreography by artistic directors Erin Murphy and Nina-Rose Wardanian, as well as season guest choreographer Paula Grahmann, harmonized together to create a collection of stories that all centered around the same commonly explored theme, the layers of the human experience.
“In Spite Of Myself”, with Avery Gingrich; Photo by Michelle Reid
The dancers represent a multitude of identities and actualize a diverse community. While individual dancers stood out for their technical skill and compelling stage presence, such as Soloist Emma Barnhart in “Just The Way I Feel,” the strength of the ensemble did not rise to the same degree. The dance ensemble, though lacking in technical precision, exuded a raw and unbridled passion that captivated the audience's hearts. For example, during the performance of “In Spite Of Myself,” individual solo moments were danced with earnestness but unison choreography was out of sync and lacked the vigor required of the work.
In “Back To Me,” dancers graced the stage with long red strips of fabric hanging from their hips. Using the cloth as an extension of their limbs the dancers flung their arms out long and kicked high into the air, the soft red textures creating a shadow of their movements. The dancers transition from an aggressive and vengeful presence to removing their long adornments, re-entering the space with an air of desperation, having nothing left to lose.
The passion of the dancers was most on display in the final piece of the evening, “Reclaiming”, choreographed by Nina-Rose Wardanian. After a presentation of dances depicting the despair and tribulations of our human emotions, spirits rose in the auditorium as the ensemble danced to the joyful music of Laura Mvula. Each dancer, clothed in a different bright color, became a physical kaleidoscope on stage as they entered and exited the space with cheer, delighting in each other’s presence and movements. In the preceding works, breath was utilized as part of the presentation, with dancers exhaling brutally in unison to accent the grounded heavy movements.
“The Flood”, with Ally Paitl; Photo by Michelle Reid
In “Reclaiming,” the breath of the dancers was still audible, but it was light and came naturally with their movements. The mix of modern dance with West African footwork created a celebratory atmosphere, with dancers hopping rhythmically with the music and engaging with
each other as they watched moments of individual expression occur in the center of the stage.
Amid shared anxiety, sorrow, dejection and anguish experienced in prior dances, the performers discovered a resilient hope, woven into the bonds they formed. “Reclaiming” stands as a guiding beacon, casting light on paths to empathy, understanding, and communal evolution.
“Under My Skin” fell on the first weekend of June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month. NDE celebrates and embodies the same tenets as Pride month, a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion, serving as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. The works delves into the intricate folds of our human existence, serving as a poignant reminder that beyond superficial differences, we are bound together by our collective humanity. NDE blends the physical and internal identities of Horton and Graham with contemporary dance techniques to create a unique choreographic voice that allows them to share their perspective with their audience.
Within the vast kaleidoscope of human experience lies many intricate emotions. Each turn of the dial illuminates an array of shapes and colors within the experience of our lives, and when they blend, they reveal unique moments that we encounter and become part of ourselves. Yet, amidst the complexity and diversity of these feelings, there exists a powerful source of solace and strength: our connections to one another.
For more information on Noumenon Dance Ensemble, click the company link below.
