Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Out of the opening darkness appear John Beauregard and Gregory Holt, two of the four members of the Green Chair Dance Group. The music is a simple melody, yet its tension is evident. In contrast, as John and Greg take the stage, their movements are loose and their flowing costumes reflect upon this. At times, as they play upon one another, the choreography of the piece exhibits the anxiety of the music. Some of the moves are subtle, others more complex, and this fusion adds to the mood of Crooked River.
The next piece, filled with humor and lightheartedness, is quite the opposite. Blending movement with props, facial expressions, and other subtleties, Opus Magnifique exhibits a highly playful and experimental personality. Hannah de Keijzer and Sarah Gladwin, the two other members of the small dance ensemble, are now the protagonists. Through their movements and props they tease and toy with Greg and John, who are attempting to cross the stage behind them, and the audience cannot help but laugh at their antics.
The performance, comprised of seven numbers altogether, is well worth seeing. Whether through unity or separation, harmony or syncopation, the movement of the dancers is remarkable. The variety in both the music (or sometimes lack thereof) and the echoing compositions is truly a joy to watch, and the members of the group show incredible flexibility and ease in bringing their work to life.
Green Chair Dance Group will be performing on LPAC mainstage at 8:00 p.m. tonight. The running time is approximately one hour.