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AUDIENCE REVIEW: Elements Of Life

Company:
Umami Playground Dance Company

Performance Date:
11/08/2024

Freeform Review:

At SparkFest'24 in Texas, **Umami Playground Dance Company** presented a mesmerizing performance of **‘Elements of Life,’** a piece that masterfully depicted a journey through the natural elements, from the calm of the moon to the fiery energy of the sun. The choreography unfolded in a sequence of five segments of the week—moon(Monday), water(Wednesday), tree(Thursday), earth(Saturday), and sun(Sunday)—each exploring a distinct element and its emotional essence. The ensemble- Adolfo Andrade, Bea Martin, Dahyun Kim, Deborah Kim, Guangmin Shen, Kevin Chen, Roni Flores, and Yurie Ono, gave an exceptional performance. However, Dahyun Kim delivered a particularly compelling performance, showcasing their versatility and expressive power.

The piece began with the "Moon" segment, where the dancers, bathed in soft, silver light, moved with a serene, almost meditative quality. The choreography here highlighted the moon's reflective and calming presence, with slow, controlled movements that set a tranquil tone. There was also a layer of repetition and gestures that reminded the audience of a day in the office. Yurie’s fluidity and subtle expressiveness that stood out as she led the ensemble through delicate arm gestures and sustained poses, capturing the moon's quiet, introspective energy.

The transition into "Water" saw a shift in dynamics, as the dancers adopted more flowing and circular movements. This segment embodied the fluidity and adaptability of water, with the performers moving in rippling waves across the stage. Dahyun brought a captivating blend of grace and power to her solo moments, where her expansive, sweeping motions seemed to mimic the currents of a river. Her expressive control and the seamless flow of her movements created a mesmerizing visual effect, drawing the audience deeper into the elemental journey.

In the "Tree" section, the choreography focused on growth and resilience. The dancers portrayed the strength of tree roots pushing through the soil, with grounded, spiraling movements that emphasized connection to the earth. Guangmin’s performance was especially notable here, as he transitioned effortlessly from the fluidity of water to the solidity of the tree, embodying the grounded yet expansive nature of this element. His ability to convey the sensation of growth through subtle shifts in posture and weight added depth to the narrative.

The "Earth" segment brought a sense of stability and weight, with the dancers executing powerful, grounded movements. The choreography emphasized strength and unity, with deep pliés and sharp, angular shapes that conveyed the earth's solid, unyielding presence. Dahyun’s commanding presence added a layer of intensity to this section; her movements were deliberate and forceful, embodying the strength and resilience of the earth itself. The ensemble's synchronization was particularly strong here, creating an image of interconnected roots and soil.

The piece culminated in the "Sun" segment, where the dancers exploded into dynamic, fiery movements. This final section was filled with vibrant leaps, sharp turns, and expansive arm gestures, symbolizing the sun's energy and life-giving force. Dahyun’s performance was a highlight; her dynamic expression and vigorous movement brought a palpable sense of heat and light to the stage. Her ability to convey both the intensity and warmth of the sun through her dance captivated the audience, bringing the piece to a powerful conclusion.

The musical score, which was created by Yurie, played a crucial role in amplifying the emotional impact of each segment, with an eclectic mix of ambient sounds, rhythmic beats, and driving percussion. The shifts in music seamlessly guided the audience through the transitions between elements, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the piece.

**‘Elements of Life’** was a beautifully crafted exploration of nature’s forces, marked by the dancers' physical prowess and emotional depth. The ensemble's cohesion and the distinct energy of each segment created a captivating experience, but it was Dahyun Kim’s nuanced performance that added an extra layer of expressiveness and connection. Her ability to embody the essence of each element, from the moon's tranquility to the sun's fiery power, left a lasting impression, making this piece a standout highlight of SparkFest'24.