Monday, January 31, 2005

Murphy, Philips whirl Strand audience


AnglinDance
Originally uploaded by trudeau.
Skirts billowing, arms whirling and feet cutting the air, the Louisiana Dance Theater company recently brought choreographer Dianne Maroney's "Obsessions" to the Strand Theater stage in Shreveport. Though young, the LDT dancers exhibited the clarity that is produced by practice and discipline.

Ashley Murphy gracefully sent each of her limbs to its fullest extension each time she danced. A graduate of LDT, she has toured America and Europe as a member of the Dance Theater of Harlem. She is unusually expressive and graceful.

And Michael Philips, a tall fellow who is nonetheless a high school freshman, stunned the audience with speed, jump height and rhythmic precision. Philips has been blessed with enormous ability. He reminded me of a sort of Kenny Wayne Shepherd of dance by his verve, lanky physique and streaming blonde hair.

Impulse Dance Theater of the Louisiana School at Natchitoches made a spirited addition to the evening. Still, the seasoned senior corps of LDT were commanding in appearance and technique. Laura Angle, Megan Burdick and John Anthony Anglin stood out by their stamina and style on the Strand Theater stage, Shreveport, Monday night.

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