'Tempo': A Must-See Dance Experience

Do you want to support your fellow Trojans and their tenuous work? Are you interested in theatre and dance? Do you have an appreciation for the arts?

In the Trojan Center Theatre, the Department of Theatre and Dance presents a dance concert titled “Tempo.” In this production, you will see a large variety of dances influenced by a multitude of styles.

Some of the influences you can find are contemporary, ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and tap. The show had James L. Boyd III as the artistic director and consisted of two movements with four pieces in each.

In the first half, the show began with a lively performance filled with exaggerated movements. The sounds of applause opened the piece. Each performer was dressed in an elaborate costume and a full face of makeup with a black-and-white color scheme.

This was followed by a slower and more purposeful piece that ended with intimate storytelling through the performers' dance. The performers were dressed in simple black clothing that showed their form and were decorated with a sheer black accent.

Up next was a powerful piece that had the performers moving in tandem with a simulated environment. Their unique uniforms reflected the world the performers were in. The tones of their clothes were earthy and added to the story they were telling through dance.

The first half of the show closed with graceful twirls and movements that appeared difficult for an ordinary individual to perform. Each performer wore a pastel and flowy ensemble that moved with them. Their clothing added to the movements of the performers.

The second half began with two dancers in a powerful, graceful and intimate performance.

Their costumes were beige and showed the musculature of their powerful movement. The music accompanying the performers shared their movements with the audience.

Then, the next performance was very upbeat, and the dancers at one point performed in rows amongst the audience, dragging you into their synchronized movements. They were dressed in modern, casual clothing. The music and movements almost encouraged the audience to join the performers in the dance.

Following, the next piece was accompanied by a poem that was perfectly synchronized with the movements of the performers. They were decorated in identical jumpers of a burnt orange hue. This show was as much of a story as it was a dance.

The show ended with a lively tap performance that had as much sound as it did dance. The performers wore black jean clothing with various jewel-toned shirts. Despite having to dance on limited flooring, they moved quickly and synchronized to the point where it became difficult to understand how it was possible.

The lighting and sound of the performance were just as crucial as the movements of the performers. It all worked together to tell a story, transport the audience and create an entire world surrounding the performers on stage.

The concert was a culmination of multiple talented individuals from different fields working together to create a show that would remain in the memories of the audience members.

This is a rare opportunity to see such a combination of the arts in one show and present so much of the world of dance. It is a roller coaster ride that every Troy student should experience and appreciate. “Tempo” is a must-see, unique experience.

Despite opening on Feb. 13, this performance still has upcoming shows for everyone to see. There will be a showing at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20, 21 and 22. The last showing of “Tempo” will be Feb. 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale online for $10, but you can purchase them for $5 in person at the Trojan Center Box Office with your Troy Student ID.

The Department of Theatre and Dance will also hold more events later this year. “The Music Man” will be performed in collaboration with Troy University’s Symphony Band April 3 through 6 in the Janice Hawkins Park Amphitheater.

“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” will be performed from April 25 through 28 in the Trojan Center Theatre. For more information, you can go to troy.edu/theatreanddance.