The inaugural performance of “Beta” at the Phoenix Center For The Arts provided a unique showcase of local dancers and choreographers with an emphasis on a wide range of artistic styles.
Dancing has been on the rise in America, with shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance” ushering the art form to center stage. While the average person may not be able to bust a move elegantly, Beta was a show that could impress and entertain both dancing aficionados and newcomers alike.
The show featured 14 pieces, divided into two showings, choreographed and performed by local artists. The pieces incorporated styles such as ballet and contemporary and surprisingly added theatrical and innovative techniques not often found in dance productions.
The show proved that Phoenix is rich with talented dancers and choreographers as every piece was executed beautifully and flawlessly. There was definitely a sense of community both in the audience and on the stage, making the intimate theater, located on Moreland and Third streets, feel comfortable and relaxed rather than formal and rigid.
The 6 p.m. showing featured predominantly contemporary pieces that explored themes such as growing relationships, the importance of money and objects and passion.
“From Dirt To Soil,” a duet choreographed and performed by Jeremiah Jenkins and Jenny Gerena, was a solid standout, painfully expressing a troubled relationship with perfect emotion displayed by both dancers.
Another duet, “Gemini,” choreographed by Angel Castro of Halo Movement Collective and performed by Grace Gallagher and Alexis Stephens, seemed to be a distinct crowd favorite. The piece utilized water to create a stunning display of synchronized dancing amidst water droplets.
The 9 p.m. show incorporated other styles such as ballet and cultural dancing, but still seemed to heavily emphasize contemporary.
“A Point In Time,” choreographed by Liliana Gomez and performed by Gomez and Joseph Mack Hall, incorporated interesting projection lighting that highlighted the movement of the dancers and made their shadows the centerpiece of the dance. The projection designer, Francisco Flores, created a visually stunning backdrop that felt retro without distracting from the movements of the performers.
The show’s closing performance, “Synonyms Of Twirl,” choreographed by Angela Rosenkrans and performed by several dancers, seemed to encompass the spirit and talent of Beta, using interesting clock-like movements to portray the progression of change.
Michaela Konzal, the show’s artistic director, said that the name “Beta” was chosen as the word means “test mode,” but it seemed to me that the concept and show had already worked out all the kinks. The concept is refreshing and creative and every piece featured was interesting and entertaining.
The lighting subtly enhanced the dancing, and the minimal use of props proved the talent of the dancers to stun and entertain with simply their own bodies.
I was astonished and impressed by the talent and artistic expressions of the performers. There was simply not a weak performance throughout the night. While some of the pieces may have been a bit abstract for some, they were performed with a level of talent one would expect from seasoned performers.
In an interview, Konzal explained that another performance of Beta is being planned to debut in the fall with all new pieces. If you missed the inaugural show of Beta, be sure to look out for the second performance.
Contact the blogger at jasmine.barta@asu.edu
Editor’s note: Curtain Critic is the Downtown Devil weekly theater review.
