THE MESSAGE - 2015 Dance Concert

This year’s dance performance, titled The Message, marks the studio’s 19th such event, and promises to be as captivating and uplifting as ever. Ling Hui’s talented dancers perform a unique variety of choreographed pieces to equally imaginative musical selections. The result is a wonderful show.Three performances are offered this year: Saturday, June 13, at 7:00 pm., Sunday, June 14, at 3:30 and 7:00 pm, at the Wheeler Theater, Fort Worden.
There are twelve dances on the program – all choreographed by Ling Hui. The following brief descriptions highlight several of these:

A contemporary ballet interpreted by the junior and intermediate group opens the show. It transports us to “Spain,” the title of the piece. The regal dancers wear elegant red tutus and display colorful fans simulating traditional Spanish dance. Music is by Issac Albeniz. Thirteen members of the junior contemporary dance group perform “Kalifornia,” a vigorously danced piece that incorporates elements of robotic dance. The music is by Fatboy Slim in his “big beat” style.

“Glass Heart,” – a contemporary ballet danced by the intermediate and advanced group – is a mesmerizing work that after a prolonged melodic, emotionally vulnerable phase builds to a powerful, confident conclusion. Music is by Philip Glass.

Always special on the program is the classical ballet danced en pointe. Three ballerinas perform the piece “Spell,” in grand and graceful fashion to the string-quartet music of Claude Debussy.

“Mambo Tonight” – with music by Iain MacKenzie – is danced in flapper dress by the intermediate and advanced group. This smooth and classy piece suggests the bygone era of the “lounge” and torch singer. According to Ling Hui, the choreography is technically one of the most demanding for the dancers – though they carry it off with apparent ease.

The title piece, “The Message,” danced by the studio’s committed group, is choreographed to the soundtrack of “Glory,” from the motion picture, Selma. In the first half of the piece, movement is performed mysteriously without musical accompaniment. Then the powerful music of “Glory” takes over triumphantly and the dancers match it just as powerfully.

About this year’s dancers, Ling Hui notes: They have been a very focused and dedicated group. Their spirit has made it pleasurable for me to create for them – and to maintain a high dance standard.”

Advance tickets: The Port Townsend Food Co-op. Box Office: General - $15, Youth - $10 (12 and under)