Returning from a summer of intense training abroad, a collection of students celebrated their hard work, with a performance at home. Wednesday September 26, students from Ailey/Fordham, Purchase College, and Juilliard performed the works of six talented choreographers.

An Evening of Dance from Burgos, Spain did not greet me with the preparedness I was hoping for, yet I remained hopeful. The show opened with a brief introduction, a group of young adults handling castanets, which displayed culture over ability. Nonetheless, with a warm welcome from Kazuko Hirabayashi, I was anxiously adjusted in my seat, and ready for this International evening of dance. The first piece, Chaconne, was an original work, choreographed by Jose Limon. The dancers had a soft appearance and in subtle costumes, they executed the Limon technique with great precision.

Moving into the night, I enjoyed an excerpt of Un Americano en Burgos. It demonstrated the spirit of urban tap that we all loved in the 1990's. The dancers commanded the stage with syncopated movement and spirit in their eyes.

On the contrast, En El Limite invites you into the world of Asun Noales. The dancers began in a cluster, stage right, and softly traveling downstage they moved into staccato shapes. One dancer in particular, Hana Ginsburg, had now grabbed my attention for the second time. She was captivating in her movement, which traveled with a soft tenacity.

The evening was a pleasant surprise, and a wonderful journey though the students' experience in Europe. What a great opportunity for these students to explore the International dance world. After all, once they graduate from the cushioned seat of college life, they will enter into a vast and intense world of dance.