“Flourish – A Modern Dance Showcase” features works by Stefanie Allen, Brittany Bain, Tommy Lewey, Sara Little, Rachel Mack, and Debra Silveus McGaha. The modern dance showcase includes nine different pieces, each rhythmic and unique.
If you have an appreciation for movement and style, you will love this show! Don’t worry if you are a dance novice (like me) — you don’t need to “know the difference” between modern dance and ballet to appreciate the creative expression in “Flourish.”
If you are curious, the individuals who started the modern dance movement in the early 20th century wanted to liberate themselves from the strictness of ballet, so they began to experiment with more liberated dancing – barefoot! Modern dance has a lack of turn-out legs and pointed feet (common to ballet), as well as a more aggressive and dramatic music and themes.
“Flourish” really is a stunning collaboration of modern dance, music, and visual art! The powerful performance is the result of a beautiful collaboration between local choreographers and dancers. It’s emotional. It’s physical. It’s visual. It’s awesome!
One of the many benefits of attending the IndyFringe Festival is taking in a dance showcase! The intimate theater setting gives audiences a unique opportunity to be up-close-and-personal with the dancers. Because of the short distance between you and the talented dancers, you can feel the swish of their movements – it’s very exciting!
Still not sure if this is the show for you? Watch a preview below.
Almost time for some modern dance! Can’t wait! #ILoveIndyFringe pic.twitter.com/PiT7K9p8Sx
— Leah Beatty (@lediamedia) August 19, 2018
Bravo! Incredible movement & choreography in “Flourish” – go see it during the festival! #ILoveIndyFringe pic.twitter.com/a11OMB2GT0
— Leah Beatty (@lediamedia) August 18, 2018
Like many great things, it is difficult to summarize the magnificence of this show. You may have read the same description that I read: “Flourish is a stunning collaboration of modern dance, music, and visual art.” But I assure you those words are wholly inadequate. I do not have a dance background, nor have I spent much time appreciating the art form of dance. But this show MOVED me. Most of the time, we communicate with each other primarily through vocal expressions and words, often over-looking the body language of others. Flourish is a series of short pieces, each one telling a story entirely with body language. As if the shear athleticism of the dancers wasn’t enough, their carefully choreographed movements provoke deep emotional responses from the audience. The viewer can’t help but be empathic and drawn into what the dancers are communicating.
To accent the choreography are music and visual art that has doubtlessly been carefully chosen for each piece. The music ranged from poignant to stirringly hypnotic. I imaging most dance is choreographed to music. But Flourish makes it appear that the dance was designed before the music, and that the music is a kind of song emanating from the motions of the dancers. It wasn’t merely dance. It is a showcase of gripping stories that require time to digest and ruminate upon. I saw this show by myself and was left that night in a state of meaningful introspection. I sincerely suggest taking a friend(s) to see this performance and then taking time to decompress and discuss the meaning behind each dance. I have never thought of myself as Terpsichorean, a lover of dance. But Flourish has changed all that.
Thank you for sharing, Stephen! I completely agree with you — this show is incredibly powerful and moving! The muscular discipline of the dancers is truly something to behold.