For the past two weeks, Wheaton has had the privilege of hosting two on-campus dance group performances: The Festival of Dance and the annual Trybe Gala. Featuring the latin dance group Paraiso Latino, tap dance group Tap Out Loud and the multi-faceted dance ensemble Trybe, both events were impressive and memorable.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Festival of Dance was its consistency. Tap Out Loud and Paraiso Latino performed in a back and forth fashion throughout the entire event, and no lull in quality was present. Paraiso Latino brought flair and fun to the stage, tearing through more traditional Latin dances as well as providing a new take on contemporary performances such as the Pussycat Dolls’ “Buttons” (right). The group was led on stage by the amazing ability of Alison von Rohr ’13, who seemed to be in complete control the entire evening and, perhaps most importantly, brought an evident passion to her performance. The rest of the group was able to match that passion consistently, which made Paraiso Latino’s performance special.
Tap Out Loud brought the unique style of tap dance to the Festival of Dance, with equally rewarding results. Tapping to recognizalble artists such as Christina Aguliera, the group brought a modern edge to tap dancing. The group started out strong, but actually seemed to get better throughout the show, with a noticable locked-in quality that was noticeable. Rhythmically, the group sounded tight throughout their entire performance, which, when combined with fluid on-stage dance moves, brought to viewers’ attentions what many great shows do–that the group was making a very difficult style of dance seem very easy.
The Trybe Gala was certainly not a run-of-the-mill dance showcase, either. Performing a rigorous set for three straight evenings last weekend, Trybe did an excellent job of combining theatrics and sheer talented dance through their “School of Twerk” theme. With excellent flair and a feisty attitude, Trybe certainly entertained and worked the stage like no other dance group on campus, providing a unique energy throughout the entire evening that was downright infectious. To top it off, Jordan Wolfe ’15 and Daniel Dickerson ’16 were fabulous hosts, filling the audience with laughter while giving Trybe their rightful place as the stars of the show.
The Trybe Gala was definitely an incredible showcase for talent outside of Trybe as well. The Dance Company performed a chilling dance to The Used’s “The Bird and the Worm”. In one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the evening, Taylor Wright-Sanson ’13 performed a most dangerous and unique balancing act that was completely circus worthy, receiving gasps and, ultimately, a standing ovation. The combination of proficient dancing, stunning lights, and pumping music, made Trybe Gala was a complete success and an excellent way to spend an evening at Wheaton College.
Overall, both events seemed to highlight a major strength in the performance scene at Wheaton. With nearly no faults to be found, Tap Out Loud, Paraiso Latino and Trybe put on performances that were fun for the entire audience. Even non-fans of dance productions would be silly to skip their next events at Wheaton.