CultureSCAPE diversifies and conquers
Ketzev, however, has improved immensely over the past few years, and this act certainly reflected that.
Modern Dance, a typically overlooked student group, performed an original piece by artistic director Marilyn Byers, titled "Oh Mary." Styled in the vein of Alvin Ailey, known for his incorporation of blues and gospel into dance, this was incredibly well-done, professional and visually exciting.
Taekwando followed. Although the exhibition of talent was interesting, it was poor placement in the program to have a music-less showing of martial arts after such a lively dance number. Many attendees, however, thoroughly enjoyed the wood-breaking, which elicited hoots from the crowd.
Shakti, the classical Indian dance group, as always, donned gorgeously intricate costumes. The well-rehearsed choreography and the beautiful Eastern music transported the audience to India. This performance, purely through dance, passed along the messages of the Indian culture, fulfilling the goal of CultureSCAPE.
Some of the most famous singers in American culture come from the Caribbean. Vivaz, a small group of women, explore their Caribbean heritage through performing arts, most notably singing. Ella Fitzgerald's "Summertime" was the first song choice and Lauryn Hill's "Killing Me Softly" was the second. Although the former was indeed captivating, one could hear the entire audience murmuring the lyrics to the latter. Not only were their musical choices on target, but these women have some of the best voices Hopkins has ever heard.
The surprise star of the evening was The SuburbaKnights, the Hopkins break dance group. Interacting with the crowd and putting on a high-energy performance, the members genuinely impressed the entire audience, spurring a standing ovation. Their headstands, spins and jumps seemed unfathomably difficult - and yet they managed to do it all with almost no noticeable mistakes. And of course, who doesn't love a good "sprinkler," as one member admirably attempted.
Modern Dance, a typically overlooked student group, performed an original piece by artistic director Marilyn Byers, titled "Oh Mary." Styled in the vein of Alvin Ailey, known for his incorporation of blues and gospel into dance, this was incredibly well-done, professional and visually exciting.
Taekwando followed. Although the exhibition of talent was interesting, it was poor placement in the program to have a music-less showing of martial arts after such a lively dance number. Many attendees, however, thoroughly enjoyed the wood-breaking, which elicited hoots from the crowd.
Shakti, the classical Indian dance group, as always, donned gorgeously intricate costumes. The well-rehearsed choreography and the beautiful Eastern music transported the audience to India. This performance, purely through dance, passed along the messages of the Indian culture, fulfilling the goal of CultureSCAPE.
Some of the most famous singers in American culture come from the Caribbean. Vivaz, a small group of women, explore their Caribbean heritage through performing arts, most notably singing. Ella Fitzgerald's "Summertime" was the first song choice and Lauryn Hill's "Killing Me Softly" was the second. Although the former was indeed captivating, one could hear the entire audience murmuring the lyrics to the latter. Not only were their musical choices on target, but these women have some of the best voices Hopkins has ever heard.
The surprise star of the evening was The SuburbaKnights, the Hopkins break dance group. Interacting with the crowd and putting on a high-energy performance, the members genuinely impressed the entire audience, spurring a standing ovation. Their headstands, spins and jumps seemed unfathomably difficult - and yet they managed to do it all with almost no noticeable mistakes. And of course, who doesn't love a good "sprinkler," as one member admirably attempted.
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