Breaking Floor: A smashing present of versatile performances

On Friday, 18 Stanford dance teams delivered on Dinkelspiel stage one of the crucial extremely anticipated dance exhibits of the yr: Breaking Floor 2022. Tickets for the present offered out inside hours, and the viewers utterly stuffed the auditorium’s 710 seats. Hosted by Widespread Origins, Stanford’s largest non-audition dance group, the Tenth-anniversary present was a energetic reminder of the large number of artwork types Stanford college students are enthusiastic about, from hip hop and tinikling to jazz and bhangra.

Though the present was nearly two and a half hours lengthy, it was partaking all through as a result of huge number of dance kinds. The quantity of expertise inside the Stanford scholar physique was evident; nearly each group had good coordination. Put brief, Breaking Floor was my favourite scholar efficiency I’ve been to this yr. 

Widespread Origin alumni Olayami Ajao ’21 M.S. ’22  and Tyler Shibata ’22 M.S. ’22 emceed the present, delivering pun-driven introductions that edged in the direction of cheesiness however have been loveable nonetheless.

The present opened with Bhangra, who characteristic the excessive power, colourful fashion of dancing originating in Punjab, India. The dancers used khundas (a hooked stick) and saaps (a wood prop that makes a clapping noise), transferring shortly and rhymically to cheers from the viewers. Their power was infectious, and I discovered myself unhappy when the lights dimmed on the finish of their set. They have been adopted by Legacy, a crew wearing all black with purple neck gaiters that they positioned over their mouths, faces or necks. Legacy had a horror-themed set, including horny zombie power to their efficiency, a mixture of hip hop, break dance and modern. 

These two first acts have been symbolic of the remainder of the present, a mix of cultural and modern components. Highlights included Kayumanggi, a Pilipino cultural arts group that did a “tinikling” routine, the place some dancers hopped over painted bamboo sticks slid by others. It was harking back to a extra refined and clever model of double dutch. Whereas the actions themself have been enjoyable and upbeat, the top of the efficiency was simply the technical talent demonstrated. 

Revolutionary Kinds’ efficiency was slower and smoother, their blue clothes forming a sea on stage. Basmati Raas had unbelievable spirit, main a bunch cheer on stage earlier than an brisk efficiency. 

Swingtime’s three swing pairs on stage had viewers members tapping their ft and wanting to join social dance. The jazzy tunes and flapper-esque outfits have been harking back to the Forties. Whereas bopping to the music, the six dancers on stage executed spectacular jumps. When the efficiency ended, one of many dancers beckoned the viewers for a heartier applause from her ultimate place in a low dip.

Act one was concluded with the primary Widespread Origins set. The set had 5 completely different numbers ranging in kinds, with round 40  dancers bringing them to life. What Widespread Origins lacked in synchronization they made up for in pleasure, partaking the viewers with power and animated facial expressions. 

Intermission was not a typical boring lavatory break. Reasonably, the stage shortly crammed with over 50 dancers — each viewers members and performers — forming a freestyle circle, a practice that occurs at each Breaking Floor present. Duos or particular person dancers got here heart stage to strut their stuff whereas different dancers circled the perimeter. It felt like a membership with gifted dancers that invited the viewers to expertise the talent up shut.

Act two was simply as energetic as the primary. Alliance was crisp, clear and highly effective. Stanford Chinese language Dance radiated divine feminine power in gauze black pants and matching blue tops. Stanford Dance Sports activities had a refreshing associate tango to a violin rendition of Britney Spears’ “Poisonous,” adopted by a waltz. Dv8 had a quick, horny and energetic hip-hop routine. Widespread Origins completed the present with 5 extra numbers, all choreographed by varied members of the crew. 

As viewers members started submitting out, Widespread Origins took to the stage to thank everybody for attending and making the occasion occur. “This household, this dancer could be nothing with you,” one dancer who grabbed the microphone gushed to presidents Emma Wang ’24 and Lanna Wang ’24. As pink roses have been handed out and supporters jumped on stage to congratulate their associates, it turned clear that the night, showcasing the perfect of dance that Stanford has to supply, was as gratifying for viewers members and dancers alike. 

Editor’s Notice: This text is a assessment and contains subjective ideas, opinions and critiques.