If it weren’t for the countless sleepless nights before Thursday, September 30th, I’d easily be able to stay awake and watch all the dances without the intermissions. This was my first dance show that I’ve attended and although I’m used to intermissions during Broadway plays, I felt that in a dance there shouldn’t be an intermission. Rather, a brief introduction of each new performance by different companies would have been enough. After our class discussion with the two dancers and after watching YouTube videos of Red Angels, I thought this would be completely different from the stereotypical ballet format that most associate with. Thankfully, I was right.

The opening dance secured my interest for the rest of the night. Three Movements by Company Rafaela Carrasco opened my eyes to a new way of looking at and appreciating dance. I felt that the dancers and various musicians, whether it be guitar or some sort of drumming on the floor, perfectly fit together. At times, I even zoned into the music and forgot about the dance. This made me realize how much effort went into this one piece alone.

Red Angels by New York City Ballet only made the experience that much better for me. The dancer’s athletic capabilities were the backbone of that dance. The perfectly mixed lighting, music, and movements exuded a feeling of fiery passion for something. The highlight of my night happened momentarily after this dance was over. The musician, Cenovia Cummins, was a guest artist apparently and played the electric violin throughout the dance. I was astonished to see a person come up because I thought the music was pre-recorded.

As I watched Duet, choreographed by Bill T. Jones, I kept thinking how it reminds me of a Broadway show. Maybe it was that shady voice narrating in the background.

The Brazilian dancers in the last dance, ID:Entidades by Companhia Urbana De Dance, moved in unison which reflected in their similar curly afro hairdos and all black uniforms. Fall For Dance taught me that there is more to dance than just dance. We need to appreciate the lighting, costumes, music, scenery, and of course, choreography.