Roll With It...

This work was inspired by the rich and dynamic culture of Second Line dancing from the vibrant communities of New Orleans, LA. It was a bright, joyful, dynamic, and energetic piece. I wanted my lighting choices to match the energy of the music and movement while also contributing to the storytelling of the different sections of this piece. The dance began with the Grand Marshal (the dancer with the white jacket) inviting the other dancers onstage, commencing the second line celebration. This leads to the energetic ensemble section with all of the dancers together.
The middle section is the small group section. Each duet or trio had an individualized stage look to showcase their personality and stand out from the others. I used moving lights with rotating gobos projected onto the cyc to make the shapes appear as if they were dancing along with the performers.
The final section of the dance consisted of battles between two dancers downstage. The battling duet were placed in two "boxing rings" of light, making them the brightest figures on stage, as they were the center of attention. All the other dancers watched from the shadows upstage.
For the final beat of the piece, all other dancers have exited and the Grand Marshal dances offstage toward the light. This symbolizes the continuation of the celebration beyond the stage, dancing into a new day.

Choreography: Tamara Williams

Lighting Design: Dallas J. Cook

Costume Design: Rachel Engstrom

Stage Management: Katie Foster

Performers: Aliyah Brewington, Isabella Eason, Jaiden Gardner, Amara Kranz, Aliyah March, Riley McGowan, Abigail Reynolds, Jasmyn Schettino, Grace Thompson, David Tunstall, Sage Walker

Music: New Second Line (Mardi Gras 2001) by Los Hombres Calientes, Vol. 3: New Congo Square

Photos by Kat Lawrence