Verve

Inspired by the energy centers in the body called chakras, Verve was a conceptual piece about the creation of the universe and the journey toward enlightenment. This piece was very cosmic and ethereal. It didn’t have a physical location. I chose to use the full stage black, fog, and haze throughout this piece to transform the atmosphere of the stage.
The choreographer assigned each of the seven dancers a chakra (right). Their individualized choreography had movement that originated from or related to that part of the body. Accordingly, each chakra has an associated color. My lighting choices corresponded to these seven colors. These colors of light would be present when the dancers’ movement specifically represented their chakras. In contrast, when the dancers move as one and do not represent their individual chakras, I would create unified lighting looks.

Choreography: E.E. Balcos

Lighting Design: Dallas J. Cook

Costume Design: Rachel Engstrom

Stage Management: Katie Foster

Performers: Kaitlyn Bego, AJ Gerdes, Zoe Impagliazzo, Calista Loftis, Melody Shanahan, Jiji Shindler, Laura Velez

Music: The Chairman Dances (Foxtrot for Orchestra) by John Adams

Photos by Kat Lawrence