A stunning and refreshing piece of choreography by Analuisa Leao (Almada).

This past Saturday to my surprise (since I was there to see The Thistle Project’s Gorey Story at Artists’ Play Studio Theatre-also fabulous) I had the pleasure to see a refreshing piece of choreography.

The Lovers, choreographed by AnaLuisa Leao (Almada), symbolizes (to me anyways) love’s ability to see beyond the masks we wear and the different paths that lead us to self-discovery and subsequently, the discovery of others. Dancers Elizabeth Dawn Snell and Jason Vanstone brought vulnerability and intensity to these love-anguished characters. The dancers moved upstage and downstage, creating tension through contrasting momentum and finally, the revealing moment that closes the dance. Overall, an excellent use of stage elements and engaging choreography!

Elizabeth Dawn Snell’s site-specific “HeartSurge” deserves a mention. The dance was a tribute to her friend Alan Page, who had undergone heart surgery. The piece for four dancers was a journey through illness and recovery through the metaphor of lyrical, emotional movement. …the piece made a strong impact…