Manhattan Motion Dance Studio proudly presented its Spring Showcase , “Save The Dance” this weekend, a celebration of recreational dance. Nestled on the corner of 76th and Broadway, way up on the 4th floor of an elevator-less building, Manhattan Motion offers a free work-out as you must climb to the top! What a great feeling when I finally reached the top on Sunday and took my seat in the studio-turned-auditorium.
Gabrielle Taylor, studio owner, gave a quick welcome and was all smiles as she presented her loyal students. These students range from early teens to adults who may not have dreams of gracing a Broadway stage, but definitely LOVE to dance, and do it quite well. For the past months, they have worked a few days a week on producing the pieces for “Save the Dance”. Family and friends were beaming with pride, armed with cameras!
The show featured Hip-Hop faculty Charlene Smith, Ryan Davis, and Andre Lee, who all not only choreographed but also performed in the show. Shanti Wargo also choreographed a hip-hop piece and was present to cheer on her students. Hip-hop students featured: Lismarys Arjona, Julie Betances, Ryan Davis, Yuki Masuda, Nanette Richardson, Jane Acierno, Natalie Browning, Katie Hamilton, Sara Joaquimsthaler, Luisa Bilboul, Ana Clemente, Anne Eller, David Hill, Tanya Williams, Mikelle Drew, Kerry Lewis, and Jayme Stevens.
There was one performer that I feel compelled to take note of, and that is beginner hip-hop dancer David Hill. Despite a mental handicap David was able to perform his hip-hop routine with commendable skill and drew a roaring applause from the supportive crowd. It was truly uplifting to realize that dance is available and healing to all people, no matter what career path we may have chosen, or the level of talents we are naturally given.
Manhattan Motion also boasts a number of belly dance classes and showed off those sizzling, shimmying coin skirts with three different belly dance pieces. Two were choreographed by faculty member Joharra, and one was a solo by student Heather Newman. Gabrielle joked about having to sweep up the coins that break loose from the skirts after each piece! Belly dancers: Kara Marceda, Heather Newman, Dina Plotch, and choreographer Joharra.
Gabrielle Taylor brings us into a world of lyrical jazz with Mea Culpa, using the four dancers as spiritual beings who begin and end the piece hiding under sheer pink sheets of fabric. Dancers Jenna DiMartino, Julie LeBlanc, Yuki Masuda, and Julia Prosser captured the eerie essence of the piece. Before her closing production number, Gabrielle Taylor improvised a solo entitled Two Minutes. She explained that she impulsively decided to do it and hadn’t rehearsed at all, beyond listening to the music. It turned out to be a beautiful piece of art!
Finally, a throng of jazz students took the stage for Retro the Funk, a medley of Michael Jackson songs! The dance boasted many elements, including quick costume changes and props! My favorite may have been the THRILLER section! Jazz dancers: Keara Albert, Charisse De Los Reyes, Emily Frey, Amanda Goodman, Stephanie Kamiel, Julie LeBlanc, Kerry Lewis, Jennie Macker, Yuki Masuda, Julia Prosser, Maureen Williams.
At the final bow, the students returned to collect their applause. At Manhattan Motion, you will not find self-absorbed professional dancers. You will find a supportive, loving community of people who just love to dance. This is what I loved so unbelievably much about this performance. It celebrated dance. It celebrated community. It celebrated the feelings we get when we let go of our inhibitions, try new things, and allow ourselves not to be judged, and even... to save the dance.
iDANZ Critix Corner
Official Dance Review by Sheena DiMatteo
Performance: Manhattan Motion "Save the Dance" Spring Student Showcase
Choreography: Gabrielle Taylor, Ryan Davis, Charlene Smith, Joharra, Andre Lee, Marguerite Hemmings, Heather Newman, Shanti Wargo
Venue: Manhattan Motion (76 n Broadway) 4th Floor
Date: Sunday May 17, 2009
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