Dancers quicken audience's 'pulse' rate

A recent dance recital created by the artistic students at Citrus College was nothing short of captivating.

 

The performance titled “Pulse” on May 30 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center was guided by dance professor John Vaughan and associate student director Jennifer Allgaier.

 

The production included a variety of dance styles, ranging from contemporary to hip-hop, ballet to tap, with most of the numbers invented by 12 students.

 

The 20 dance pieces took on journeys of heartbreak, comedy and pure joy.

 

Song selections varied from a range of eras, allowing age-diverse audience members to relate to the different sounds.

 

Excellent technique was evident through pieces such as “Life – Force” by Haihua Chiang, “Haphephobia” by Jairus Pecson-Aquino, “Love is Just a Game” by Ricardo Puentes and “Two Forty Five” by Michelle Shear, the strongest performances in terms of fluidity and sharpness of movements.

 

Light-humored comedic talent was found in “Pay Phone” by Shawna Cook, “Who’s That Girl” by Art Ball, and “Swing Kat” by Aaron Valles. Each number varied from an up-beat partner dance, to hip-hop with small acting bits that made the numbers really stand out.

 

“Visions of a Heartbreak” by Nina Alas and “Little Angel” by Anthony Clinton received the loudest applause. The musical choice of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj for “Little Angel” gave the audience a dark, eery, vision of an exorcism.

 

“Safe” by Kelli Warnecke was a very powerful piece for its dancing in the name of God, sending a message through the dancers that we are safe in his arms – a very beautiful change in the show.

 

Just before the close, director John Vaughan came on stage and addressed the audience regarding state budget cuts to education. He encouraged the audience to attend more performances put on by the Citrus performing arts department in order to contribute directly to their funds.

 

On a lighter note, the production ended with one last performance, “Serenity” choreographed by Renee Liskey, that was a fun and energetic way to end the evening.

 

This year’s production of “Pulse” was inspiring and uplifting, and a reminder to the community of how important the arts are not only to Citrus College, but to the audience members, and hopefully proving how vital it is that they continue to thrive.