I went to an Emotions Dance audition. I have been sketching this dance company founded my Larissa Humiston for years and I am always curious to see the new talent that might joint its ranks. The Emotions Dance Studio is in a new location since the last time I had sketched there. The parking lot in front of the large building was full so I circled around the block to search for paring. Right behind the building was a parking lot for the Sun Rail which was quite convenient. Next to the building was a sink hole filled with cat tails and many loud croaking frogs.
The dance studios were upstairs. Many pictures lines the walls of the stairwell highlighting many moments in the dance companies history. On the door Emotions was broken down into words signifying each letter. Excellence, Motivation, Opportunities, Teamwork, Individuality, Open Communication, Nurturing,and Self love. I arrived a bit early along with some dancers who were planning to audition.
The dance studio was spacious. The front wall was covered with mirrors along with black curtains which could be drawn to stop dancers from watching themselves. Larissa lead everyone in some rigorous warm ups and dance moves. She liked to joke that she is getting creaky with age, but she was demonstrating every difficult move for the new comers. Each dance move had an exotic French name for it. I kind of wish there were French terms for sweeping fluid lines of crisp sharp and angular lines. I might make teaching art so much more exotic.
The professional dancers were also in the room so if someone needed to watch how a move was done they could watch a pro for answers. There was just one male dancer auditioning among the 20 of so dancers. I would think that raised his chances of being cast.
Everyone did very structured routines which looked exhausting. The dancers then broke up into groups to do a series of moves across the floor set to music. Mixed in to these moves were moments of improvisation. As the name of the dance company suggests the key was to express emotions through movement.
If you want to see Emotions Dance in person check out The Shift: Choreographer’s Showcase happening at Central Florida Community Arts Black box Theatre (250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32804) on June 18, 2019 at 6 PM.The Shift in partnership with Emotions Dance Inc, occurs three times per year throughout Central Florida and provides a “preview” of professional contemporary, modern, jazz, and ballet companies season of works. Audience members will have a chance to meet the directors and choreographers after the showcase and find out more about the abundant and diverse professional companies in the area. Audience members will also have a chance to purchase tickets to upcoming performances and events with discounts and special VIP experiences.
Featuring works from:
Emotions Dance
Crawford Jazz Project
Thomas Wilkins
Florida Dance Theatre
Coco Loupe
Ariel Clarke
Tori Sarau
CG and Dancers
Tickets are $20for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
If the 6pm show sells out, they will be adding an 8pm show. One night only!