Dance, Bitch, Dance powerful

For many dance students, the annual dance performance Fall Forward is the highlight of the year, a chance for them to display the hard work and diligence necessary to produce such pieces. For junior Jose Melendez, however, "Fall Forward" was simply one obstacle to the creation of his latest - and most powerful piece Dance, Bitch, Dance. Melendez said, "I auditioned the first part of it for Fall Forward but it didn't get in. From my anger and frustration, we decided to create a concert to showcase it, with that as the centerpiece." The dance major was clearly intent to show this piece to the public, even if shunned by the Dance Department. "I guess it didn't fit in with Fall Forward, I don't know," Melendez added.

Out of the six pieces that make up Dance, Bitch, Dance, the one that carries the most emotion, the most pent-up anger and frustration, is clearly "Canal," choreographed by Melendez. "The initial piece was inspired by the Matthew Shepard incident," he said. "The second part was too powerful on its own and the audience needed to be prepared for it." The different parts that the dancer is referring to are the stages that went into the creation of the piece. The first part is a new addition to the second part, which was begun last fall and "brought back to life" as part of "Cycle." Over one year's worth of work was put into the piece, and Melendez is finally ready to bring it to Oberlin. The symbolism of the piece will not be lost on anyone - ropes are used to pull, prod and tighten the noose on one of their own. Melendez said, "Slowly but steadily the community turns on the individual, preventing the individual from becoming his own identity." The dancer mentions one of the early parts of "Canal," involving duets. This can be easily translated into the abrasive conflicts that threaten the cohesion of community members. "That's what the rope represents - the constant struggle, the fears, the way we interact with each other," Melendez said.

Melendez is careful not to draw too many similarities between himself and the Dance Department. The dancer said, "My only support has been some verbal advice from professors and [Professor of Dance] Ann Cooper making suggestions. It's been a real independent project. It's really taken over my life."

"Cycle" is just one of the six pieces that are part of the larger "Dance, Bitch, Dance" performance. The first piece is "Untitled," choreographed by sophomore Erin Jacklin and junior Gamaliel Lodge. Jacklin said, "Our piece is a reworking of "From Two" from Fall Forward. The sophomore continues the performance with the second piece of the night, "Innuendo." Jacklin said, "It explores issues of contemporary sexuality, specifically those about bisexuality."

The third piece is entitled "The Way We Were," choreographed by senior Polly Seashore and junior Aaron Rubman. Seashore said, "We're taking a classical form and romping about with it. It's a tongue-in-cheek look at classical ballet. We thought it was important to show a dance form that isn't commonly performed here."

"Cycle" is the fourth piece of the show, with another Melendez piece following it, entitled "Canal." The sixth and final piece of the performance is "Birding," choreographed by senior Sujin Ock.

Dance, Bitch, Dance is being performed on Sun. and Mon. at 8 p.m. in Peters Hall. Warning: this piece contains partial nudity and strobe lights.

Two become one: Erin Jacklin and Gamliel Lodge dance in Jose Melendez's performance Dance, Bitch, Dance. (photos by Areca Treon)

Innuendo: Jacklin and Lodge insinuate physical intensity combined with marked statements about sexuality, gender and queer issues. Dance, Bitch, Dance, created by junior Jose Meledez, opens on Sun. at 8 p.m at Peters Hall.