Vignettes
Photo credit: Hung Nguyen

The Power of Personal Narrative in Vignettes

At Conwell Dance Theater, three students from Temple University’s graduate dance program showcased their MFA thesis in a performance titled “Vignettes.” Curtis ‘CJ’ Whitmire, Nycole Nurse, and Shiyu Wang each presented their distinct works, highlighting their personal histories and unique perspectives through movement. The performance was well-crafted, dynamic, and showcased a range of styles amongst the MFA students.

Nycole Nurse’s piece, “The Caribbean Barbie,” was a powerful commentary on the transgressions faced by black women in society. The use of spoken dialogue added an intimate and raw quality to the piece, while Nycole’s movement across the stage in nude shapewear highlighted the female body’s perception in American and Caribbean cultures. The incorporation of Carnival traditions and dance such as whining illuminated the black, female body’s portrayal of femininity, sexuality, and power. The understated use of costuming and lighting design created a powerful ambiance on stage that demanded the audience’s attention.

CJ Whitmire’s contemporary work, “What’s Inherited? / Shedding Skin,” explored the internal struggle of one’s past and its impact on their future. The duet’s dynamic movement and use of traditional gender roles and hyper-masculinity highlighted the autobiographical nature of CJ’s work. The solo performance in the final moments of the piece emphasized the inspiration CJ draws from his past.

Shiyu Wang’s “Inner Essence” was a dynamic group piece that focused on self-reflection and discovery along the artist’s journey. Shiyu’s background in classical Chinese dance and modern training gave her a unique perspective on movement, which she highlighted through intricate phrasing and use of a large fabric duet. The piece’s seamless and mind-bending movements reflected the careful construction of storytelling.

Each piece illuminated the inner dialogue of the artist’s personal voice and highlighted their unique background. The vignettes complemented each other, creating a diverse and entertaining evening of work. The raw and unfiltered emotions of the performers spoke through the movement, shedding light on their personal histories. Overall, the performance was well-executed and showcased the promising talent of the MFA students at Temple University. I eagerly anticipate their future work.

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