Repertory Dance Theatre highlights community in 'Snapshots'

What would it look like to dance the water cycle? How can air pollution and farmer’s markets inspire creative movement? Is it possible to bring wind and solar energy to the stage?

Those are just some of the community-centered themes that dancers with Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) tackled head on in their performance of “Snapshots.” With the help of 12 young guest performers from RDT’s Passport workshop, the company presented a series of brief pieces highlighting the importance of community.

“Since the early '90s RDT has been involved in looking at the environment, the landscape, the community in a very creative way,” said Linda Smith, RDT’s artistic director. “We feel that this (community) is a special place and people notice that.”

This performance aimed to influence not only adults, but also the younger side of Salt Lake society. Following five performances for local school children, RDT brought its offerings to the Jeanne Wagner Theater on Nov. 18-19 to share with the public.

The program featured 17 different dance vignettes, each showcasing an important facet of the community. From libraries and churches to bike paths and community gardens, RDT explored the places that shape a neighborhood and give it an identity.

Most pieces were bright and cheerful, brimming with friendly, vivid movements. The dances were airy and inviting. The performers were cohesive, even as their movements seemed to cross in unusual paths. Most pieces felt like an evening walk through the neighborhood.

But some pieces had a more unique flavor. Choreographed and narrated by RDT dancer Nathan Shaw, the rap presentation of “Toxic Boogie,” complete with dancers in bright yellow rubber gloves, brought smiles and chuckles to everyone in the audience.

A massive silken sheet represented contamination in the air as part of “Air Pollution and Inversion.” Aaron Wood beautifully manipulated his elegant movements in and around the gossamer pane of fabric, trying to avoid being overtaken.

Each dance sketch had its own distinct timbre, but as the pieces came together they resonated with a completeness that told a story.

Interwoven with the dances were occasional video interviews with sixth- and seventh-grade children from the Salt Lake Arts Academy. The students expressed their ideas and opinions on how to create a better community.

“A good community isn’t just going to come to you,” Gretchen Loader said. “You have to go make it.”

Melissa DeMoux is a stay-at-home mother of six young children who lives in West Valley City, Utah. You can email her at mddemoux@gmail.com or follow her adventures in motherhood at demouxfamily.blogspot.com.