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Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company’s fall program was all about the music. The company paired up with Kansas City’s own Bill Shapiro to tribute his long-standing radio program which began in 1978 on KCUR-FM. Unfortunately, the dancing in The Cyprus Avenue Concert did not rise to the standards of the musical potpourri hand-selected by Shapiro.

With his soothing radio voice, Shapiro served as emcee and DJ for the program, introducing songs, inserting historical context and adding personal stories. Shapiro’s first pick of the night, a well-known tune by Marvin Gaye, represented the beginning of popular music. The curtain opened on the dancers tapping to the cool rhythms of “What’s Going On” and progressively rising to sway on the dance floor. The smooth, carefree choreography matched the mood of the song.

The pace quickened as Christopher Barksdale and Tracy Vogt kicked, turned and leaped to “Johnny B. Goode.” Barksdale lit up center stage with his animation, energy and musicality. Michael Tomlinson and Christina Mowrey danced next to one of Elvis Presley’s lesser-known hits, “Mystery Train.” Josh Beamish’s choreography was creative and unexpected while Mowrey’s interpretation and execution was refreshing.

One of the most influential groups on American popular music was none other than the British invasion, the Beatles. Jennifer Medina’s choreography to “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” consisted of more walking and posing than actual dancing, contributing little to the sensational hit. Representing the folk genre was Midwesterner Robert Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan. “Simple Twist of Fate” lent itself well to a lyrical pas de deux danced by Gavin Stewart and DeeAnna Hiett. One of the best showings of the night, Paula Weber’s choreography matched Dylan’s melody and showed off some unique partnering moves. It was the couple’s most successful duet to date with Stewart showing much improvement.

New company member, Latra Wilson, took on Mahalia Jackson’s “Didn’t It Rain.” Wilson covered the stage with her jovial embodiment but was missing the indulgence akin to religious dancing. “Keep Your Hands on the Plow” got the audience clapping along to Telly Fowler’s rhythmic, repetitive choreography rooted in musical theatre. Ending the first half of the show was the Rolling Stones’ live recording of “Satisfaction.” The piece was fast and fun but elementary. The choreography by Erin Lustig was more appropriate for a competition group than a professional company.

The company became less impressive in the second half of the performance.  Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved A Man” lacked the sensuality and power that Franklin brought to her music and lyrics. “Respect” was chaotic and disjointed, coming off as under-rehearsed. The lowest point of the night was Beamish’s interpretation to Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song.”  In a poor display, Stewart writhed around on the floor, face down, while three girls took turns flailing their arms like back-up singers and Hiett took center stage whipping her hair around.

Tracy Kofford moseyed around in a predictable solo to Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” followed by another expected solo by Hiett to Patsy Cline’s “Walking After Midnight.” As always, Hiett brought the attitude but was too serious and stiff for Cline’s playful, relaxed style.

The next selection was the namesake for Shapiro’s radio program. On its own, Van Morrison’s “On Cyprus Avenue” is complex and captivating and no wonder Shapiro was drawn to it from the first time he heard it. Opposingly, Medina’s choreography was mundane and drawn out marred further by pedantic dancing.

Shapiro said he had a hard time deciding which songs to choose and what he could leave out, but he was sure about ending the show where it began—at the beginning of pop music. Mary Pay Henry did the same with her easy, playful choreography to the unforgettably entertaining Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say.”

As anticipated as it was, WHCDC’s fall performance was ultimately disappointing. The concept was great but the execution and choreography failed to add much interest or importance to the music. The majority of the applause goes to Shapiro for his commendable contribution not only to the performance but also to local and national radio broadcasting.

REVIEW:
Conservatory Artist Series
Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company
The Cyprus Avenue Concert
Friday, September 24, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
White Recital Hall
UMKC Campus
4949 Cherry St.
Kansas City, MO

Top Photo: "I Never Loved A Man” (Photo by Mike Strong)

By Laura Vernaci

Dance Contributor

Laura Vernaci is a Kansas City native who has always been passionate about the arts, particularly dance. She began dance lessons at the young age of five and hasn't stopped since. She trained at the Kansas City Ballet where she became a serious dancer and learned about a professional company. 

She attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she majored in dance. She transferred to Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2006 and received a degree in Journalism in May 2008.  Laura spent the 2008-2009 in Duluth, MN dancing professionally for the Minnesota Ballet. She performed in productions such as, "The Nutcracker," "Cinderella" and "Coppelia" as well as world premier ballets created on the company.

She recently moved back to Kansas City and is excited to combine her experience in writing with her passion for dance. In addition to performing and writing, Laura also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing.