To celebrate the opening of its new home at 1306 S. Michigan Ave., the Dance Center of Columbia College this weekend is presenting “The Move Project,” a communal dance event put together by New York-based (and Chicago native) David Dorfman.
Leading off the two-part program, “Move” features a cast of 20 local men and women of various occupations, several of whom have dance backgrounds. Among the performers are a very pregnant woman, a South Loop real estate agent, a member of the center’s staff, a Columbia College student and the 46th Ward Democratic committeeman.
Dorfman has melded this diverse group into a unit of interesting individuals and acceptable dancers. Along with dancing, in solos and in ensemble, they talk, mostly about themselves, and do a little bit of clowning around. One segment features a kind of giant Halloween pageant, with all the performers dressed in homemade costumes.
As the dancers feel their way around the open stage of the center’s spanking new 275-seat auditorium, there’s a hint that this work may indeed have something to do with moving and getting accustomed to a new space. Mostly, however, it’s a sweet little divertissment, fun for performers and audience alike.
After intermission, Dorfman and his six dancers present his recent “Subverse,” a piece that has many of the same devices used in “The Move Project,” but performed by skilled dancers well drilled in Dorfman’s technique.
Here again are the gymnastic swoops, the lunging acrobatics and the churning arms, delivered with ensemble perfection.
Once again, there is also talk, accompanied by frenetic movement, as in Dorfman’s opening routine.
The nervousness of the dance fits well into “Subverse’s” tale of the rise and fall of the culture of club dancing.
Moving to Hahn Rowe’s commissioned score, the dancers begin with an exuberant surge. This flow of energy gradually gives way, however, to scenes of craziness, cynicism and, eventually, defeat.
A male dancer dashes about madly with his pants down until he trips and falls. Another dancer laughs hysterically at the spectacle. Finally, only Dorfman and another dancer are left on the stage, curled up in exhaustion.
Part of a larger work that Dorfman is preparing for an autumn debut, “Subverse” is a stunner.
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David Dorfman Dance gives its final performance at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. Phone 312-344-8300.
