A Library's Reincarnation By Brian Devine

809 Words4 Pages
A Library’s Reincarnation Library Dance Works, a site-specific performance, has forever transformed what was once a library into a multi-dimensional stage. Choreographed by Brian Devine, this fifteen minute modern dance was performed in Thompson Library on February 4, 2013. Eight dance majors and minors confidently took on the multiple floors in the library’s east Atrium, having nothing but the sound of students shuffling in and out of the building to guide them through their movements. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of the library, they brought the space to life in innovative and exciting ways. A crowd had gathered around the east Atrium of Thompson Library, forming a messy semi-circle around the marble stairs. Questions on the whereabouts of the dancers, the length of the concert, and many others were whispered around me. The quiet murmurs slowly diminished as cameras were set up to record the performance. Curiosity arose in the faces of the students utilizing the library as a study…show more content…
Their heavy stomps and abrupt hops would form soft beats, synchronizing their movements. At a particular moment of the performance, the dancers were making a windmill action with their arms, all with different rhythms. Suddenly, to the crowd’s surprise, their arms were in unison, piercing the quiet air with the sound of their arms rubbing against their jumpsuits. The sound resembled a flock of birds taking off all at once, creating an astounding contrast from the rest of the silent performance. Other times their random movements would take the beat away, providing them with the freedom to choose their own movement speed. The library’s quiet environment allowed their loud movements to come to life; eyes were drawn to the performers as they swiveled on one foot executing a perfect pirouette amongst the students quietly studying around

More about A Library's Reincarnation By Brian Devine

Open Document