[/caption]Veronica Sturman - The Impulse Dance Theatre, directed by Randy Allen, gave a high energy, spiritually uplifting performance on February 25 at A.A. Fredricks Auditorium. They were joined by Louisiana Dance Theatre from Shreveport, directed by Carol Anglin, and the Orchesis Dance Company from Grambling State University, directed by Dianne Maroney-Grisby. These three dance companies lit up the stage and engaged the audience with a variety of styles and dances.
The audience went wild during the Dirty Boogie, swing number. Three couples in bright costumes boogied low and high. Neha Dhawan, Erin Mackey and Hira Quarni spun circles around the male dances, kicking high and dipping so low to touch their heads on the floor. This piece was performed just before the intermission and left the audience begging for more.
One of my favorite pieces was the grand finale, danced by all three dance companies and choreographed by Dianne Maroney-Grisby. The Impulse Dance Theatre danced to “Change” by Carrie Underwood, followed by the Orchesis Dance Company with “Never Give Up” by Yolanda Adams. Finally the Louisiana Dance Theatre took the stage with the Orchesis Dance Company with “As Long as I’ve got King Jesus” by Vicki Wayans. The lighting was bright and colorful and at times the dancers were silhouetted. The dancers were enthusiastic and upbeat and the music was uplifting.
The Impulse Dance Theatre had a difficult winter. Within weeks of the performance, Randy Allen lost three dancers due to injuries and bad grades. Randy Allen had to re-choreograph some pieces, and Neha Dhawan stepped up as lead dancer and did a marvelous job. The Impulse Dance performances are always a pleasure, and I look forward to next year’s dance.
Veronica Sturman
