The packed Semel Theater exploded in cheers and enthusiastic calls as dancers took their places on the blacked-out stage. Aerosmith’s “Dream On” blasted through the speakers as members of Emerson Dance Company (EDC) launched into a piece choreographed by company member Bella Lopez ‘27.
EDC presented “Wanderlust” as its Fall 2024 showcase. Members of the company choreographed each of the 15 numbers, which revolved around themes of searching, wondering, and hopes and dreams. Many of the dances were choreographic debuts for members of EDC.
One debut choreographer, who did the number “Bad Religion” to the song of the same name by Frank Ocean, Talia Leva, said that “choreographing for EDC has been amazing because not only are you able to let your mind be creative and make your art but you are also able to bond with all of the dancers in your piece.”
The opening number to the Aerosmith hit explored the concept of dreams held inside people, and how those dreams long to break free. With its fast-moving steps and energetic construction, the piece set the tone for what was to be a rollercoaster of a showcase.
A standout number near the end of the first act was “The Black Ribbon,” choreographed by Emmy Portnoy ‘27, set to “CHIHIRO” by Billie Eilish. The number was tight, high energy, and featured strobe lights to heighten the emotion. The audience exclaimed their love for the piece through enthusiastic applause and screams throughout its performance.
“Creating this piece has been one of the biggest accomplishments I’ve been lucky enough to achieve,” Portnoy said, reflecting on the experience. “My dancers and I took on this crazy, 5-minute long song and were able to create this art that has so much emotion and expression in it—I couldn’t be more thankful.”
The showcase also featured a piece danced to Taylor Swift’s recent hit “So Long London” choreographed by Kelli Brent ‘27. The motions embodied the song’s story about losing not only a relationship but the place in which that relationship was formed. The fluid movements combined with echoes of classical ballet steps created a physical tale of sadness and longing, underscored by Swift’s ethereal vocals.
While watching the show, it became evident that “Wanderlust” was a testament to the member’s pure love of dance, which made the performance full of passion and the drive they had for their art.
“Performing for this semester’s ‘Wanderlust’ show was truly a magical experience,” said Jazmyn Mason ‘27, who joined EDC last year.
Mason emphasized how rewarding the hard work she put into her dances was, and how, even though she had not been a dancer before joining, EDC welcomed her nonetheless.
The choreographer for one of the numbers “Bad Religion” to the song of the same name by Frank Ocean, Talia Leva, said that “choreographing for EDC has been amazing because not only are you able to let your mind be creative and make your art but you are also able to bond with all of the dancers in your piece in a very special way.”
The company aims to welcome all kinds of dancers from all backgrounds and styles, allowing for collaboration across dance scenes. There were many moments in multiple pieces where individual dancers showcased a specific move they could particularly execute, such as a leap or a set of turns. It gave them turns in the spotlight to show off their talents while keeping each piece collaborative.
The show kept its energy throughout the nearly two-hour run time up until its conclusion with “Can You Keep Up?,” a hip hop/jazz funk piece set to “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child, choreographed by Heidi Garmise.
The entire company then took to the stage for a fun mini encore piece to “September” by Earth, Wind, & Fire. After that, the company president Riley MacMoyle shared a sweet moment of thanks for EDC’s five graduating seniors, sharing words of encouragement and kindness toward them as they continue on their journey post-Emerson.
