Lily Charkow, Arts & Life Editor–
On a cold February night, Denison students and Granville residents gathered in the Michael D. Eisner Center to watch the dual performance of the Lorelei Ensemble and the Pilobolus dance group.
This was a unique showcase for the Vail Series because it is rare for musical performers to be accompanied by dancers at a Vail Series performance.
The performance took place on Feb. 5 inside the Eisner Center’s Sharon Martin Hall. The performance was the world premiere of the dance “Love Fail,” which was choreographed by Renee Jaworski and Matt Kent of Pilobolus.
The dance ensemble is known for their contemporary dance style and physically demanding stunts. The performance featured four dancers from the Pilobolus ensemble; Krystal Simmons-Butler, Erin Dooley, Quincy Ellis, and Kingsley Ibeneche. The group of dancers made difficult stunts look graceful while also projecting different emotions.
Pilobolus danced to the singing of the Lorelei ensemble, who had just returned from the Grammys after being nominated for Best Chamber Music for Small Ensemble. The group’s harmonies created a melodic sound that flowed through the Sharon Martin Theater.
Although the ensemble consisted of eight singers, their harmonies blended so smoothly that a group of eight singers sounded like one. The Lorelei ensemble sang music with lyrics by David Lang and Lydia Davis, respectively.
Lang’s lyricism used imagery and plain-speaking syntax to paint a picture for the audience. Conversely, Davis’ lyricism had a philosophical nature. The writer’s experience in poetry shines in her lyrics.
“The combination of singing and dancing gave the words and story sung about a weight to [the songs],” said Abby Webster ‘27. “Like when they were talking about love towards the beginning instead of just seeing that the story is about two people in love you could feel the weight of it on your chest.”
The stage had limited set pieces, which allowed the audience to acutely focus on the performers. The minimal set included two ladders, a few desks, and books scattered around the stage.
The set pieces were tools that the ensemble used to tell their stories. For instance, during one part of the performance, the ladder was tilted on its side and lifted into the air. Ellis lifted Simmons-Butler up onto his shoulders while the pair pretended to steer the ladder.
The quartet performed many other impressive feats that showcased physical strength and trust between the dancers. But the unique aspect of this piece was the exploration of interpersonal relationships.
During some songs, all four members were on stage. While in other sections, only two members were on stage. The dances explored many different types of relationships, as well as a range of emotions. But most of the performance featured slow and methodical movements that were loaded with emotion.
This performance was the first Vail Series concert of the semester. On March 6, Rita Moreno will come to Swasey Chapel, and the Vail season will end with a performance from the Merz Trio on April 2.