RSS 2.0 FeedMarch 10, 2010, Dance
"Groovaloo" dances with skill and soul
Using the medium of hip-hop, "Groovallo" tackled an array of difficult subjects, such as violence, inner demons, and overcoming obstacles. The dancers succeeded in pulling the audience into each storyline, and for those 90 minutes their battles were our battles, their triumphs ours.
The crowd in the Carlsen Center's Yardley Hall on Friday, March 5 waited with palpable anticipation, taking in the set adorned with graffiti while Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind blasted from the speakers. Mere minutes into the performance, it was clear that we would not be disappointed.
Even after speaking with Groovaloo co-creator Bradley Rapier several weeks ago (click here to read the interview), I could not imagine how powerful the performance would be.
Groovaloo featured the considerable talents of fifteen dancers, each bringing something unique to the group. Recorded monologues played while the artists danced, providing spectacular visuals to the spoken words. Although at 90 minutes it was a fairly long production, the evening felt as though it flew by, as each story blended seamlessly into the next. Technically, it was virtually flawless; the music and lighting served their purpose well, manipulating the audience's attention and highlighting certain moves. 
The artists were in sync when necessary and danced with much passion and conviction. One of the best moments consisted of two dancers mirroring each other and then attempting to 'one up' the other.
Another great moment was a scene danced by Jessica Rabone in a piece about an assembly line of robots. The dancers demonstrated immense control and skill while impersonating the machines, and the effect was amusing and mesmerizing.
The women of the cast performed a number that truly was a high point. While the men were able to impress with acrobatic displays, it was nice to see the ladies deliver a hip-hop dance performance incredible in its own right. After watching the amazing dancing, there can be no doubt that each dancer in Groovaloo is extremely talented - Bradley Rapier is a master choreographer.
However incredible the dancing, the real value of Groovaloo lies not in the quality of movement but in the message behind it. Using the medium of hip-hop, the artists tackled an array of difficult subjects, such as violence, inner demons, and overcoming obstacles. The dancers succeeded in pulling the audience into each storyline, and for those brief 90 minutes their battles were our battles, their triumphs ours.
Overall, this was an exciting and inspiring display of big talent and bigger heart. Groovaloo truly lives up to the line stated in the program; "Life is a dance. Dance beautifully."
REVIEW:
The Performing Arts Series at JCCC
Groovaloo
Friday, March 5, 2010
Carlsen Center, JCCC
12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS
www.jccc.edu/home/depts.php/001440/site/toc_events
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