<ue to form, this spring’s Ebony II dancers left it all on the floor.
Last Friday and Saturday night, hundreds of Carls flocked to West Gym to watch the dance show, which lasted nearly two hours and incorporated entirely student-choreographed dances to songs by popular artists like Ludacris, Beyoncé and Gotye.
“I thought the show had a good mix of musical styles, and the transitions between the pieces were really well done,” said Emily Sykes ’12.
Ranging from a fiercely sensual interpretation of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” to a delightfully playful dance to Erasure’s “Always,” the show had a little bit of something for everyone.
“There were a lot of new choreographers this term and that always brings fun, new perspectives to the show,” said Ebony co-director Hannah Jensen ’12.
Audience member Matt Hunter ’12 said he “really liked the dance to ‘Call Your Girlfriend.’
“The rave was awesome, and the glowsticks were a nice touch,” he added.
This particular piece showcased dancers wearing multicolored tights, incorporated contact improvisation, and borrowed some of the Swedish pop sensation’s signature moves, including “The Robyn Roll.”
Requiring dancers to execute a sideways somersault immediately followed by a few pelvic thrusts, this intensely physical move drove the crowd wild.
“I think I might have lasting shoulder injuries because of it,” said Julia Baker ‘12.
Baker also showed off her skills in choreographer Katie Stinebaugh’s ‘12 fast-paced dance, “Bumpy Ride,” by Swedish-Congolese R&B singer Mohombi. This dance, along with the traditional Spring Term“Senior Dance,” featured a number of seniors who have been performing with Ebony since their freshman year.
Another highlight of the show was the traditional “Mandance,” choreographed to Lady Gaga’s 2007 hit, “Boys Boys Boys.”
Baker appreciated that it was, “more sensual than sexual,” and Sykes “loved the roll,” a move that featured several senior boys laying on top of rows of rolling dancers, effectively body surfing and effortlessly traversing the gym’s stage.
Saturday night’s show marked the end of Jensen’s career as an Ebony director, and she couldn’t be happier to have ended on such a good note.
“I felt we were really able to put on a show that felt true to what Ebony means to me and my fellow directors,” she said.
With Jensen’s departure comes the induction of three new Ebony directors; joining present director Hannah Joy Wirshing ’13 are Kristen Dooley ‘13, Harper Makowsky ’14 and Rebecca Brown ’14.
“I am beyond excited to be director next year,” Brown said. “I can’t believe I get to facilitate all of the crazy dances and antics that keep people signing up for Ebony year after year.”