Arthur Mitchell, dancer, choreographer , and founder of The Dance Theatre of Harlem was quoted saying that "The human body is the first instrument that God made." I have to agree. Watching The Cooper Morgan Dance Company perform is like watching humans leap to touch the heavens. Coincidently, Savery Morgan co-founder of Cooper Morgan is a former member of The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Don't quote me on this. I only over heard him say this. I could have heard wrong. If I did, as I have said in previous blogs; Don't come for me, this is merely a blog of my thoughts and feelings concerning the arts, not an article for a major news publication. The front name for this prolific group of dancers I am proud to say is my long time friend DeWitt Cooper. When I say we go "back", we go BACK. I'm talking like the "90's". Time really does fly.
DeWitt Cooper a graduate of The Case Western Reserve University is a dynamic teacher, former employee of Disney, and was a cast member of the Broadway Tour of In the Heights. I'm banking that his work with The Cooper Morgan Dance Company is among his proudest accomplishments.
For 10 years Cooper Morgan has hosted a Summer Intensive in cooperation with the Tallahassee Community College. The participants range from elementary age to collegiate.
I experienced my dear friend and his dancers in action this past Friday Evening. The concert was the finale of the week long study. As we waited in the lobby of The Fred Turner Auditorium, the young dancers danced us to our seats with a little Uptown Funk. They served us all of the flavor that hip hop is known for. The concert officially opened with a visual prayer, set to the music of Come Sunday. Act one of the concert featured the young students of the intensive. The highlight of the first act was a mini- ballet entitled "La Fiesta Negra". It was the story of a Queen who sacrificed her life for her loyal citizens. That was my interpretation at least. Amir's Solo, proved how beautifully poetic street dancing can be when given the chance. His performance was among the many memorable moments.
Act Two showed me what The Cooper Morgan Dance Company was really about. The members of this company took to the stage with choreography that was gracefully athletic. Each musical piece provided unusual colors for this visual tapestry of motion. Redemption and Choice Rights left illustrious images of movement , shape, and light for my mind to inhale. It then occurred to me that my dancer friends have some of the best taste in music. I have developed a profound appreciation and even admiration for how dancers visualize motion with sound. It gives the music you hear a visual that is equally stimulating for the mind. The experience becomes three dimensional.
Thank you DeWitt Cooper and Savery Morgan. Your breathtaking army of dancers, from the novice to the professional are The Midtown Movement.
No comments:
Post a Comment