RDT continues tradition of excellence

By Laura Michel     4/10/13 7:00pm

Rice Dance Theatre is a group whose performances have continued to evolve and improve over the years, and this year is no exception. Building off the success of last semester's sold-out performance, this semester's Organic Motion is another step in the right direction for this troupe of modern dancers.  Throughout the 13-dance performance, which celebrates the fluidity, joy, and inventiveness of motion and dance, the performers explore themes such as love, self-reflection, societal gender roles and interactions among peers.

The three focuses of the show were "The Mistress's Tools"; "Good Feet, Long Hair, and other words of wisdom"; and "The Breath Never Stops." "The Mistress's Tools" and "Good Feet, Long Hair, and other words of wisdom" are direct contradictions wonderfully portrayed by the dancers' emotions and expressions. While "The Mistress's Tools" focuses on women's cunning and wiliness, the latter explores 1950s-era views of gender in which husbands headed households and wives played their submissive counterparts. Everything ties together, however, in the final performance, "The Breath Never Stops," which focuses on the simple act of breathing. However menial it may seem, the troupe manages to make breath's role invigorating and exciting through yelling, stressing, relaxing and simply surviving.

These three dances may be the focus of the show, but they in no way steal the spotlight from the other great dances. "Racing Hearts" and "Till the Moon's Upside Down," for instance, showcased the group's athleticism and grace by incorporating many difficult and unique moves. "Just Motion," which perhaps best embodies the show's title, is a high-energy, intense dance that revels in the joys of simply moving and dancing. "You Are Here" and "Inner Me" reflect the sometimes tumultuous inner workings of our minds via frantic dance and music selection. 

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Perhaps one of the most exciting elements of the show is the introduction of Rice's own street dance crew, the Funkonomics Crew. Founded in 1996 and revamped in 2012, this young group has some growing up and maturing to do, but it still proves itself to be a fresh and energetic inclusion into the lineup of dances. While Rice Dance Theatre is primarily focused on modern dance, the inclusion of a new current style is a perfect way to celebrate the organic movement so essential to the performance.

For a thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining evening, venture out to the Barbara and David Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center this Thursday, Friday or Saturday to see the show. 

Tickets are $5 for Rice students, faculty and staff and $8 for general admission.

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