This reflection is written from the lens of educator and curriculum specialist. Since returning to South Florida 8 years ago, I have attended 5 productions of Diva Arts Dance Studio which features all tiers of the program, the Dolls, Darlings, and various Repertory groups (1, 2, and 2a). I reviewed the last 2 performances from the perspective of dance writer, but for this production, I made the conscious decision to focus solely on the technical proficiency, performance quality, and production elements. This meant that I would not take any pictures to capture the exquisite lines, shapes, and architecture of movement that was showcased.
Something felt different about this show. I decided to sit back and allow the revelations to unfold.
Comedian Chello Davis served as the Master of Ceremony and went through his routine, priming the audience, roll calling, asking the different generations to represent, he also asked audience members who they were there to support. Even though this was his regular interaction, his engagement with the crowd was more laid back and reserved for this show. The audience’s excitement did not waiver, expressing their enthusiasm through screaming their kids, friends, and/or family members name and clapping wildly. I am sure that several audience members needed throat lozenges that evening.
Even though the show was over 3 hours, the production ran smoothly. Make sure that ya belly full and your bladder is empty before you attend one of these performances baby, because your blood sugar may drop!
The show began with “Tribute” featuring Rep 1 and 2, which was reminiscent of an Ailey Suite with the highly recognizable songs, I’ve Been Buked, Fix Me, and You May Run On. The dancing was powerful and strong, demonstrating profound execution of movement and delight. This work set the tone of the show, allowing me to excavate the depth of what it means to be a studio owner, not only providing exceptional dance training but also creating experiences for Black and Brown students that transcend the dance studio. The transferable skills acquired, at Diva Arts Dance Studio are leadership, administrative, teaching and choreography, time management, interpersonal, and collaboration. All tools that will help them long after their days of tights, jazz shoes, and long rehearsals.
The performances displayed by all age groups, from the babies to the seniors, exhibited a wide range of versatility: Tap, Jazz, Modern (Horton), Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip Hop/Street Dance. Costume design is key when conveying a narrative. Each costume thoughtfully conveyed the concept of the work as well as the personality and energy of the dancers. They brought their whole selves, dancing with a level of confidence that was certainly rooted in pride and coolness because they looked FAB-U-LOUS!
Several moments stood out during this performance, Alumni Marcus Themistocle’s powerful solo. This young man ate. His performance was sublime, captivating, and expressive, evoking a spiritual, almost creature like precision and profundity. This is exactly what we as educators want to see. We appreciate students who enter college dance programs with a certain level of skill and proficiency, which is rooted in pristine technique that is diverse, and are then able to build off that already strong foundation, adding new information to their movement practice as well and theoretical inquiry.
“I Believe” (Daddy and Me) featured the Darlings dancing with male figures; this was a tearjerker and spoke to Chello’s discussion of the importance of moms and dads, particularly dads staying in their kids’ lives and the impact being seen by your dad has in the child’s life. As a single mom who was raised by a single mom, this hit home.
Two pieces that I thought stepped outside of the usual choreographic and thematic flow were “Warriors of War” performed by Rep 1, choreographed by Shannon Haynes and “Power of a Woman” also performed by Rep 1 and choreographed by Clarence Jones. “Warriors of War” has potential to be a phenomenal work. It was fast paced with dynamic entrances and exits. There was an aggressive, warrior vibe going on. Haynes pushed past her comfort zone, challenging both the dancers and herself with out-of-the-box choreography. “Power of a Woman” was a contemporary jazz piece with nice transitions, call and response, and included some hip hop and African vocabulary. I appreciated the young women exploring their feminine power and energy.
Graduating senior Brandon Charles was afforded the opportunity to showcase his vocal skills. Walking onstage beaming with Black Boy Joy, he serenaded us with Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk.” Jada Bush, also a graduating senior performed a solo, “Pressure.” Jada danced with the Rep dancers, hanging the balance, sometimes hitting the step, but she became a different dancer in this work. She took control of the stage and her body. Her movement was big, playful, sensual, and robust, showcasing her feminine dominance and agency. MORE please!!
Alumni Zach Ingram blew us away with his majestic solo to Smokie Norful’s “I Need You Now.” This regal tribute to his mother who recently passed was nothing less that magnificent. I began snapping away with my camera phone capturing the wonderous grace and athleticism of this blessed performer who effortlessly glided across the stage like a gazelle. Zach’s technical ability is bar none. I got lost in the beauty of his brilliance and technical prowess as I watched him dance.
“Drum Line” closed the show representing HBCU culture. Dancers entered from the audience, posed, rolled, wined, twerked and pranced, giving all the things reminiscent of the Majorettes, Golden Girls, and Dancing Dolls.
Artistic Director and CEO of Diva Arts Dance Studio recognized her team and village, inclusive of teachers, administrative team, and parents providing them with plaques and awards. Students were also recognized for their achievements, many running up to the front to collect their trophy with pure joy on their faces. Lastly, she recognized her graduating seniors, gifting them with luggage, monetary awards, and other goodies. Adora Barnes received top honors, this young woman is an amazing dancer, academic, and has a beautiful spirit.
Thank you, Diva Arts, for seeing these kids, offering them a space to grow, nurturing their gifts, and giving them room to shine.
Teachers/Choreographers:
Shannon Haynes
Anita Hope
Algeria Thomas
Kennady West
Clarence Jones
Ambriah King
Nia McClain
Anthony Velasquez
Jada Bush
Ralph Cummings
Zach Ingram
Costume Design: Adrianne Daniels
Performance Venue: Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts at Florida Memorial University
Production Team: Apon Concepts and Designs and Ray Parris and Parafruit Incorporated
Diva Moms and Dads as well as well as the backstage crew.
Image 1: Zack Ingram
Image 2: AC & TC
Image 3: “I Believe” (Daddy and Me) featuring the Darlings
Image 4: Brandon Charles
Image 5-6: Zack Ingram
Image 7: Full Ensemble of Drum Line
Image 8: Full Cast and Shannon Haynes
Image 9: Shannon Haynes, Zack Ingram, and AC
Image 10: AC
Something felt different about this show. I decided to sit back and allow the revelations to unfold.
Comedian Chello Davis served as the Master of Ceremony and went through his routine, priming the audience, roll calling, asking the different generations to represent, he also asked audience members who they were there to support. Even though this was his regular interaction, his engagement with the crowd was more laid back and reserved for this show. The audience’s excitement did not waiver, expressing their enthusiasm through screaming their kids, friends, and/or family members name and clapping wildly. I am sure that several audience members needed throat lozenges that evening.
Even though the show was over 3 hours, the production ran smoothly. Make sure that ya belly full and your bladder is empty before you attend one of these performances baby, because your blood sugar may drop!
The show began with “Tribute” featuring Rep 1 and 2, which was reminiscent of an Ailey Suite with the highly recognizable songs, I’ve Been Buked, Fix Me, and You May Run On. The dancing was powerful and strong, demonstrating profound execution of movement and delight. This work set the tone of the show, allowing me to excavate the depth of what it means to be a studio owner, not only providing exceptional dance training but also creating experiences for Black and Brown students that transcend the dance studio. The transferable skills acquired, at Diva Arts Dance Studio are leadership, administrative, teaching and choreography, time management, interpersonal, and collaboration. All tools that will help them long after their days of tights, jazz shoes, and long rehearsals.
The performances displayed by all age groups, from the babies to the seniors, exhibited a wide range of versatility: Tap, Jazz, Modern (Horton), Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip Hop/Street Dance. Costume design is key when conveying a narrative. Each costume thoughtfully conveyed the concept of the work as well as the personality and energy of the dancers. They brought their whole selves, dancing with a level of confidence that was certainly rooted in pride and coolness because they looked FAB-U-LOUS!
Several moments stood out during this performance, Alumni Marcus Themistocle’s powerful solo. This young man ate. His performance was sublime, captivating, and expressive, evoking a spiritual, almost creature like precision and profundity. This is exactly what we as educators want to see. We appreciate students who enter college dance programs with a certain level of skill and proficiency, which is rooted in pristine technique that is diverse, and are then able to build off that already strong foundation, adding new information to their movement practice as well and theoretical inquiry.
“I Believe” (Daddy and Me) featured the Darlings dancing with male figures; this was a tearjerker and spoke to Chello’s discussion of the importance of moms and dads, particularly dads staying in their kids’ lives and the impact being seen by your dad has in the child’s life. As a single mom who was raised by a single mom, this hit home.
Two pieces that I thought stepped outside of the usual choreographic and thematic flow were “Warriors of War” performed by Rep 1, choreographed by Shannon Haynes and “Power of a Woman” also performed by Rep 1 and choreographed by Clarence Jones. “Warriors of War” has potential to be a phenomenal work. It was fast paced with dynamic entrances and exits. There was an aggressive, warrior vibe going on. Haynes pushed past her comfort zone, challenging both the dancers and herself with out-of-the-box choreography. “Power of a Woman” was a contemporary jazz piece with nice transitions, call and response, and included some hip hop and African vocabulary. I appreciated the young women exploring their feminine power and energy.
Graduating senior Brandon Charles was afforded the opportunity to showcase his vocal skills. Walking onstage beaming with Black Boy Joy, he serenaded us with Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk.” Jada Bush, also a graduating senior performed a solo, “Pressure.” Jada danced with the Rep dancers, hanging the balance, sometimes hitting the step, but she became a different dancer in this work. She took control of the stage and her body. Her movement was big, playful, sensual, and robust, showcasing her feminine dominance and agency. MORE please!!
Alumni Zach Ingram blew us away with his majestic solo to Smokie Norful’s “I Need You Now.” This regal tribute to his mother who recently passed was nothing less that magnificent. I began snapping away with my camera phone capturing the wonderous grace and athleticism of this blessed performer who effortlessly glided across the stage like a gazelle. Zach’s technical ability is bar none. I got lost in the beauty of his brilliance and technical prowess as I watched him dance.
“Drum Line” closed the show representing HBCU culture. Dancers entered from the audience, posed, rolled, wined, twerked and pranced, giving all the things reminiscent of the Majorettes, Golden Girls, and Dancing Dolls.
Artistic Director and CEO of Diva Arts Dance Studio recognized her team and village, inclusive of teachers, administrative team, and parents providing them with plaques and awards. Students were also recognized for their achievements, many running up to the front to collect their trophy with pure joy on their faces. Lastly, she recognized her graduating seniors, gifting them with luggage, monetary awards, and other goodies. Adora Barnes received top honors, this young woman is an amazing dancer, academic, and has a beautiful spirit.
Thank you, Diva Arts, for seeing these kids, offering them a space to grow, nurturing their gifts, and giving them room to shine.
Teachers/Choreographers:
Shannon Haynes
Anita Hope
Algeria Thomas
Kennady West
Clarence Jones
Ambriah King
Nia McClain
Anthony Velasquez
Jada Bush
Ralph Cummings
Zach Ingram
Costume Design: Adrianne Daniels
Performance Venue: Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts at Florida Memorial University
Production Team: Apon Concepts and Designs and Ray Parris and Parafruit Incorporated
Diva Moms and Dads as well as well as the backstage crew.
Image 1: Zack Ingram
Image 2: AC & TC
Image 3: “I Believe” (Daddy and Me) featuring the Darlings
Image 4: Brandon Charles
Image 5-6: Zack Ingram
Image 7: Full Ensemble of Drum Line
Image 8: Full Cast and Shannon Haynes
Image 9: Shannon Haynes, Zack Ingram, and AC
Image 10: AC
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