“Seven Windows” was not nearly as straightforwardly narrative
as it was billed. But no matter — the brief, seven act dance production is a
sweet, effective exploration that cradles the broken heart of our transient
nature. Presented by SHARP Dance Company (at RAPA @ SOTA: Allen Main Stage
Theatre) and choreographed by Diane Sharp-Nachsin,
the show is promoted as a story based on the dream of a dancer, “in which she is
visited by her recently departed mother.” When the daughter asks her mother if
she is in heaven, she receives an enigmatic response regarding seven windows
and the process of moving on in the afterlife.
Even without that provided description, the sense of
bereavement and washes of eternal, maternal love would have been apparent
through the layers of spoken-word poetry, perfectly chosen music, and movement.
Some minimal supplemental artwork was occasionally projected onto the screen
behind the dancers, but didn’t necessarily add to or detract from the other
elements.
Alternating between solo, duet, and group dances, each of the
acts were truly moving. Through stark and elegant movements, the six dancers
expertly conveyed the spectrum of the loss process: the trials of grief,
everlasting connection, resilience, and legacy carried forth. The final dance
feels like a reunion — and cleverly, as if on an in-between plane. Two women
mirror one another’s movements as they climb around and through the spinning,
suspended frame of a metal cube, holding occasional, consciously elegant poses.
It looked like the most fun, and felt like a joyful playground, a wishful
meeting space for two souls before a final parting.
After a brief intermission, the dancers reconvened for a
repertoire of four quick, assorted pieces choreographed by Sharp-Nachsin and others. In “Unguarded Moment,” a straightjacket
restricting the movement of dancer Sandra Davis showcased her strength and
poise as she skittered and wheeled about the stage. And the final work, “Roller
Coaster Rules,” had four dancers hilariously misbehaving as they listened to an
increasingly disturbing set of guidelines and warnings broadcast on the
P.A.
“Seven Windows” will be performed again Wednesday, September
21, at RAPA @ SOTA: Allen Main Stage. 9 p.m.$12 seniors; $15 general. All ages.
This article appears in Sep 21-27, 2016.
