Vitality Dance Company’s fall showcase, titled “Incandescence,” captivated the audience with a memorable blend of beautiful storytelling and the creative exploration of this semester’s theme. The performance, which took place on Nov. 20 in Langford Auditorium, explored the themes of light and life through powerful pieces and stunning formations.
Senior Emily Waechtler, president of Vitality, described how she felt organizing the showcase.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to work with your peers to bring your vision to life!” she said.
As a student-run organization that celebrates self-expression through dance, Vitality presents contemporary pieces every semester with a showcase, each reflecting a different theme. This year’s performance centered on the theme of light.
“We chose light because of how much variety in interpretation there is,” Waechtler explained. “From visuals like light on water, to phrases like ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ [and] to light as weightlessness, we loved the creativity that the theme offered our choreographers.”
The show illuminated the stage with emotion, energy and a sense of inner radiance, and each piece offered a unique perspective on light’s symbolic and literal meaning. From the ethereal to the grounded, “Incandescence” beautifully captured the many facets of light in all its forms.
The show featured a variety of numbers, including a sensual ensemble of “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago” directed at unsuspecting husbands and boyfriends who “didn’t see it coming” and sentimental pieces like Gracie Abrams’ song “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” which explored the delicate balance between reminiscing about the past and letting go.
I was in awe of the choreographers’ creativity in interpreting the theme, which ranged from a piece about “the flame of betrayal” — depicted through sensual and intense choreography — to another titled “How Sunshine Dances on the Ripples of Water,” where the dancers performed beneath a net that symbolized the ripples of water. Every movement beautifully embodied the theme of light in its own way; some were soft and fluid, while others were sharp and intense. It was evident how thoughtful each move was and how hard the dancers had worked to bring the show to life.
The showcase also featured a collaboration with students from the Next Steps Program and Best Buddies that explored the theme “’Lighting Up Someone’s World.” The performance was set to “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction, and it was a wholesome experience watching the students dance alongside the Vitality performers while pouring their hearts into every move.
Junior Katie Greenfield, the choreographer of the collaboration, recalled how excited everyone was about the performance.
“Everyone was just so happy to have had the opportunity [to participate],” Greenfield shared. “Rehearsals were so much fun. It was inspiring to watch everyone encourage and hype each other up.”
Greenfield went on to explain her approach to creating the choreography.
“I wanted the students to feel confident in their movements and have their moment to shine on stage, so, I made sure the choreography was designed to give each of them the space to do just that,” Greenfield said.
The showcase also included a lively performance inspired by the reality show “Dancing with the Stars,” where the dancers invited their plus-ones to join them on stage. I thought the best part was the behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals, which captured hilarious moments as the partners tried — and often failed — to pick up the choreography.
Vitality concluded their showcase with a powerful performance centered on the theme of faith as a universal guiding light. The dancers began on opposite sides of the stage, mirroring each other’s movements to symbolize how different paths can reflect similar journeys. The piece beautifully conveyed the message that despite our different backgrounds, the “light” of faith can lead us to love one another. I loved this concept, and it was executed with remarkable grace.
“I’m so proud of how everyone performed, and the audience always brings such great energy,” Waechtler reflected.
Watching Vitality’s “Incandescence” showcase was a transformative experience that was filled with raw emotion and stunning performances from the dance group. I highly encourage everyone to keep an eye out for the group’s upcoming spring showcase.
