Dancers make patriotism shine

Tracey Teo, Courier & Press correspondent
Monday, May 8, 2006

Evansville Dance Theatre's production of "God Bless the USA," an original ballet choreographed by artistic director Keith Martin, stirred Evansville's patriotic sensibilities Saturday night, and the audience was on its feet by the time the last flag was carried onto The Victory stage by dance theater students.

Martin, British by birth, marked Evansville Dance Theatre's 25th anniversary by staging a ballet to honor those serving in the U.S. armed forces. The first half of the program consisted of an eclectic mixture of nonpatriotic themes, and the evening opened with "EDT Concerto," composed by Philip Glass. Martin is adept at matching his choreography to the skill level of his students, and they performed competently as they floated across the stage in striking gauzy red dresses. Jennifer Hayden was tenderly courted by Jason Martin, Keith and BJ Martin's son, in the "Flower Festival at Genzano" pas de deux. The pair mastered the crispness of style that August Bournonville, the great 19th century Danish choreographer, was known for. Hayden had no trouble with the demanding allegro footwork and performed with precision a series of brise and petite battement. In addition to her technical competence, Hayden's stage presence draws in her audience.

Keith Martin and his wife, BJ, the dance theater's ballet mistress, made their Evansville dance debut with "Tango Torbellino." The couple made the sultriest of ballroom dances come alive with their mastery of the tango's dramatic changes between slow and soft and sharp and staccato. The dance was performed in honor of Jean Allenby, the dance theater's founder and first artistic director. The audience was treated to guest musicians, guitarist Christopher Caliendo and flautist Sheridon Stokes, who provided the accompaniment.

A highlight of the evening was "Estancia," a powerful piece danced by Joshua Crouch, Jason Martin and Brandon Sears. The effervescent energy generated by the men was palpable, and this buoyant trio seemed to spend more time suspended three feet above the stage than on it as they performed demanding leaps and turns.

The last half of the performance centered on patriotic themes including the title piece, "God Bless the USA." J.R. Schembre sang Lee Greenwood's familiar lyrics as Jason Martin and dance theater students gave a vibrant performance sure to bring out the patriot in any American. The evening concluded with "The Great Defenders," and U.S. veterans representing each branch of the armed forces were brought on stage and honored. Dance theater students, decked out in red, white and blue costumes, danced in a spirited chorus line and presented a tableau of youthful Americana.

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Alfred Savia, provided music for most of the pieces.