Dancers 'Unchain' versatile new show

Penn Dance Company opened Unchained at the Annenberg School Theater last night. The first of the company's three show's was enthusiastically received by its audience. Unchained consists of 14 acts. Penn Dance Company displayed the versatility of its members by performing to many different types of music. Almost the entire show was impressively choreographed by members of the company. The dancers effortlessly performed many of the routines in complete synchronization. They energetically performed number after number without a trace of fatigue. Unchained has something for everyone. Modern, street, ballet, tap, as well as other types of dance are featured. Acrobatic acts also highlight several of the performances. The lighting of the show enhanced the dancers' graceful moves. Bright colored lights coupled with simple costumes silhouetted the dancers' lithe bodies, in some numbers adding to their artistic interpretation of music. Perhaps the most beautiful number in the show was "Chorus," choreographed by College sophomore Sarah Pappas to the music of John Pachelbel. It was performed by over half of the company and was an aesthetic interpretation of Pachelbel's most famous piece. For people who prefer more contemporary music there was "I am Still Thirsty," performed to "Tennessee" by Arrested Development. It was an extremely energetic piece featuring street dancing. Colllege junior Trish Kulash and College freshman Massimo DeSantis performed a steamy act called "Dark Rendezvous." Their sensuos dance contrasted with the innocence of ballet. Not all of the dances were performed to music. "Real," choreographed by College senior Allison Powell was performed by six company members a cappella. The only sound in the auditorium was the rhythmic music of their tap shoes. "Fogo," choreographed to "Johnny's Mambo" by College sophomore Maria Ott showed their ability to perform with exuberance. The colorful full skirts added to the zest of the piece. The finale, "Secret Garden," was perfomed by the entire company and incorporated both grace and athletic ability. The finale displayed all of the dancers' strengths. There will be two more performances of Unchained Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Annenberg School Theater. Tickets are $5.