Gold
Standard
I have to say right out of
the gate that I have no formal training in dance
or choreography ... I do, however, know a thing or
two about talent, passion, excellence, and
creativity ... so I write this blog about The Gold
School in Brockton from that perspective. I had
the incredible pleasure of attending a benefit
performance by members of the Gold School at
Whitman-Hanson High School this past weekend. The
sights, sounds, and energy from that night are
still, literally dancing in my head. "Dance
Art" is how the school describes its
vocation, and that promise is delivered in
stunning ways.
The show I saw was called "Moves/one
peace...one world." It was produced by Gold
School Director Rennie Gold, and directed and
designed by Larry Sousa. Sousa is an award winning
director, choreographer, set designer, performer,
and teacher -- he's also a Gold School alum who
connects with young performers in an amazing way.
In this show he skillfully weaved young children
just getting their first taste of stage
performance with young adults in full command of
their powerful and graceful bodies -- a true
collaboration of athlete and artist.
Using a mostly bare stage, with projections of
words and images in sync with the various pieces,
the dancers captivated the audience in groups
large and small. The music was classic and
contemporary -- the costumes ranging from blazing
orange to simple black and white -- the performers
proudly representing their diverse ethnic
backgrounds. Some had classic dancer's bodies,
others did not, but it didn't matter -- in fact it
made the company more real and affecting. For me
the most magical piece of the night was two young
brothers dancing together ... their joy and skill
propelled by the music. Moments like that just
don't happen ... it takes people with
vision and commitment to plant the creative seeds.
That's what's happening at The Gold School.
So, to all the folks behind this wonderful
evening, congratulations and Bravo! If you live in
the Brockton area or have a child interested in
dance at the highest level, look up the people at
The Gold School, and give them your support.
Posted by
Michael A. Cole
Click
for the Mike Stand entertainment blog |
