The ability to move across the stage fluidly and rapidly while performing cohesive choreography seemed to come naturally for the dancers of Hypnotiq, Andover’s hip-hop dance group, and Blue Strut, Andover’s modern and jazz dance group, at their annual collaborative show last Friday evening.
The show attracted a full house, yet the lack of space proved to be no deterrent for the crowd. Despite its small size, the modern dance studio offered members of the audience the opportunity to easily connect with the dancers because both parties were at the same eye level.
Spotlights trailed Hypnotiq members as they stormed the stage to a mashup of upbeat hip-hop songs such as “Tonight” by John Legend, “Freakalator” by Soundmaster T and “Already Taken” by Trey Songz. Mainly choreographed by co-head Unwana Abasi ’13, the piece featured Hypnotiq’s trademark combination of different rhythms and melodies. Hypnotiq evoked loud applause from the audience as they skillfully wove together different types of choreography.
The show began with a dance choreographed by Rochelle Wilbun ’13, co-head of Blue Strut, to “Sail” by AWOL Nation. The song also featured dancers Lizzie McGonagle ’16, Suzanne Wang ’13 and Wilbun.
The dancers opened the dance with a grand plie, a movement of the full bending of the knees over toes. They moved quickly and in synchronicity despite the fast-paced song.
The highly technical rendition proved to be successful and the dancers received high praises and loud applause.
“I liked the opening jazz dance [by Wilbun] the most. I went there expecting all the dances to be in the style of hip-hop. I wasn’t really sure what other types of dances would be there, so I enjoyed it when they performed ballet. It was a nice surprise,” said Devin Etcitty ’13.
Dancing to the songs “Yeah I Know” by Ciara and “Faded” by Tyga, Hypnotiq dancers took the stage in rapid, successive movements. The quick and clean body movements prompted an enthusiastic response from the audience.
“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘I heard you’re performing with Hypnotiq.’ But I’m not performing with them, I’m in Hypnotiq,” said Robert Rush ’14, who is the only male dancer in Hypnotiq. “I guess my role is to break down the stereotype that dance is only for girls. Since I am in the group, Hypnotiq can do a lot more in terms of the dances, rather than keeping things monotonous.”
Blue Strut performed two other dances other than the one by Wilbun.
Emily Ewing ’14 and Rachel Murree ’14, two of the Blue Strut dancers, choreographed a dance to Ke$ha’s “Die Young” that was intended to be performed during Abbot Cabaret last Winter Term.
“I was so excited to be a part of the Blue Strut/Hypnotiq show this year. I really liked the opportunity to choreograph this year. I haven’t really choreographed much since I came to Andover; it was awesome to work with Emily to work on this collaborative dance,” said Murree.
In addition to “Die Young,” Blue Strut also performed the number “Show Me How You Burlesque” by Christina Aguilera. More polished than their Grasshopper rendition, “Show Me How You Burlesque” featured circus-inspired movements of circus animals, mimers and acrobats.
According to Madeline Silva ’13 and Wilbun, who co-choreographed the number, all the Blue Strut dancers participated in the choreographing process by pitching in different short movements while the main choreographers designed most of the dance.
“My favorite dance was the last one by [Blue Strut.] It was a bit awkward to see them dance ballet to jazz and pop music but they were really good. They were really adept at being in sync and fluid at changing body positions,” said Andrew Mao ’14.
After the dancers took a bow, Wilbun and Silva, this year’s co-heads of Blue Strut, took the opportunity to announce next year’s co-heads, Murree and Ewing.
“What I love about these two groups is that they offer student choreographers an opportunity to showcase their own choreographies. The choreographing opportunities are for everyone,” said Erin Strong, Chair and Instructor in Theatre and Dance, who is also the faculty advisor for both groups.
