Review: Tuacahn students prove future of dance is ‘boundless’

Tuacahn High School Dance students perform "In Her Words" during the "Boundless" fall dance concert at Tuacahn High School, Ivins, Utah, Nov. 11, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

REVIEW – If I can say anything about Tuacahn High School Dance Company’s fall concert, it is that the future of dance looks to be as bright and boundless as the passion these young dancers exhibited on stage Friday evening.

Tuacahn High School Dance Company members perform a number from the "Boundless" fall dance concert at Tuacahn High School, Ivins, Utah, Nov. 11, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News
Tuacahn High School Dance Company members perform a number from the “Boundless” fall dance concert at Tuacahn High School, Ivins, Utah, Nov. 11, 2016 | Photo by Hollie Reina, St. George News

Performed in the Indoor Hafen Theater at Tuacahn High School the performance, aptly entitled “Boundless,” was an almost all student-choreographed concert. Tuacahn’s Director of Dance, Jennifer Dail choreographed two of the pieces including the work “In Her Words” which took second place in the Buckingham Division of the Utah High School Shakespeare Competition held at Southern Utah University.

At the beginning of the school year, senior and returning members of the Tuacahn High School Dance Company – Tuacahn’s audition only dance company were asked to create an original piece of choreography for the fall concert. This included choosing a piece of music, holding auditions within the dance company, eight weeks of rehearsals and coordination with the Technical Theater department to create lighting and props to complement their choreographed works.

The result of the process was seen on stage Friday night as dancers and choreographers were able to showcase their hard work and talents in front of an audience.

I consider myself fortunate to have been invited to attend the concert and offer my thoughts, such as they are. Dance has played a very prominent role in my life from the time I was 4 years old and my passion for it continues to this day.

It is so hopeful then, to have watched the next generation put so much effort into their craft. Not only were they beautiful dancers but they approached the fall concert with a level of professionalism that I would not expect from a high school group.

Each piece was unique in its choreography and style and each utilized the stage and the lighting in ways that helped set the mood and provide additional dimension to their work. That kind of forethought and follow through is so encouraging to see as dance and the arts are moved into the future by these up-and-comers.

While I found each piece engaging there were a few standouts for me.

Choreographed by Kiarah Alldredge and performed by Alldredge and Kylie Loman, the piece “Society” was a standout from the first half of the evening. “Society” is the story of two homeless people who are not alone because they have each other. The dance style could be described as lyrical hip hop.

“Society” stood out to me because of its engaging choreography and a witty performance by the young girls.

The final student-choreographed piece of the evening was a work done by Grace Moore entitled “A Travers La Bataille Que Nous Aimons.” This brilliant piece actually gave me chills. My only critique is that I wanted it to last just a little longer.

The partnering and complete surrender to the story made Moore’s work an absolute gem.

A great deal of credit goes to Dail for giving these young dancers the reins and providing them with the confidence to fully realize their works. Dail’s talent is witnessed in her choreographed works and in the passion her students bring to their own choreography and performances.

“Boundless” shows again Saturday evening and Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Hafen Theater at Tuacahn High School. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and children under 17. Adults and seniors can order advance tickets for only $6 by calling 435-652-3201.

Event details

  • What: “Boundless” dance concert.
  • When: Nov. 12 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hafen Theater, Tuacahn High School, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins.
  • Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and children under 17.
    • Adults and seniors can order advance tickets for only $6 by calling 435-652-3201

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.