With Eyes Closed
2000

Choreographed by Erin Reck in collaboration with the dancers
Original Cast: Dena Baggs, Amelia Derezinski, Victoria Gochenour, Jennifer McCasland, Melissa Kakavas, and Melissa Riker
Soundscape by Michael DeMeo. Rigging by Jason Marsh.

With Eyes Closed delves into the relentless drive of human persistence. The movement speaks of an addictive pressure to keep running, reaching, and striving beyond what we are, amidst a life of unpredictable trials. The piece opens with a soloist suspended above the stage. As she is slowly lowered her movement is fluid and reaching, and portrays tumbling, falling and searching. Together they fill the space with sweeping movement and duets of caring for and helping one another. After a dynamic solo the group aids the exhausted dancer by putting her crumpled body back together piece by piece and carrying her onward in her journey. The dancers charge the space with electric energy and forceful, technically keen movement. The work is resolved when the main character comes to peace with life, and lets go of her need to escape, and the others let go of their need to save her. The movement is strong and powerful, tender and supportive. 22 Minutes.