The Longwood Company of Dance gives an interesting and artistic performance every Oktoberfest in the Dance Studio in Willet, and this year was no exception. The team had performances at both 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., allowing time for parents and students alike to make it to their performance. The director, Rodney Williams, introduced himself and this year's performers, throwing the audience into darkness for a long, suspended moment before the clash of music erupted overhead.
The first number was an intense all girls piece. It began with the girls walking across the stage in a militaristic style that was interrupted by spurts of energy and poses being struck. There was a lot of running on and off the stage, and it was a great beginning piece in way of energy, skill and technique. The music to the first number was also intense with a fast and heavy beat.
The next number was performed by the four men in the company, and it held a very tribal, slow beat with masculine steps and even tribal cries for a beat in the middle. Following was a performance titled, "Upon This Reservation." Blue lights and the sound of a rain-stick set the mood for this piece, as well as the flowing and soft costumes. The moves were performed at a nice pace, which allowed for intricate levels of dance.
"We have rehearsal Monday, Wed[nesdays], and Thursdays from 4-5:30 [p.m.], and then we have extras depending on the choreographer," said Stevie Wilson, the company's dance team captain and graduating senior. "But the week before any of our shows, we have rehearsal every day since it's tech week. So it's pretty intense."
Next, a two person piece called, "The Dance of Love," was performed. It was very beautifully done, soft and slow. The music still had a tribal feel to it, something seen throughout most of the numbers. "A lot of [dances] that Rodney does are mostly an African modern style. But everyone does different things. One of our guest choreographers always does like a jazzy hip-hop and a lot of the girls like to choreograph contemporary," said Wilson when asked about the choice of music chosen throughout.
The next dance performed was to contemporary song, "Take It Off," by Ke$ha. This was one of the most theatrical performances and was very fun to watch. The group split into two, one taking on the role of "nerds," while another group obviously took on the role of "cool kids." They then came together, the nerds stripping their white Oxfords off and tossing them into the crowd. Following this number was a song and guitar performance by Rodney Williams' son, Justin. It was an enjoyable break and very well performed.
The show came to a close with a Latin/Spanish inspiration, complete with flashy costumes, high heels and chairs to dance around and on. The upbeat performance was just the way to bring the show to a close. Afterwards, parents, friends, and performers flooded together in a very informal and relaxed way, giving the already interwoven atmosphere a tight-knit feel.
"I tried out my first week of classes as soon as I got to Longwood. And this is my last Oktoberfest, so it's kind of bittersweet," said Wilson after the show. And it did feel that way —bittersweet as everyone congratulated one another, old students, new ones, and graduating ones alike. The perfect feeling to end on after a great performance.
