ExploreDance

Four diverse and demanding choreographic works, one integrated company splendidly delivering on all challenges characterized . Dance Kaleidoscope's program The Next Wave. DK's dancers met the expectations of guest choreographers from Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh with a verve that showcased what we can expect for the 2015-16 season. The energy and precision were topnotch.

"Tableaux de Provence" by Lucy Bowen McCauley presented a series of snapshots depicting the way of life and the feel of this destination spot in southeast France. It felt like a memory shared between six people who were recalling the specialness of being together in an enchanting place. Music by Paule Maurice featuring solo saxophone with orchestra provided the impetus for recalling this visit. Costumes from Bowen McCauley Dance reflected the region.

In contrast to sunny Provence, choreographer Stephanie Martinez plunged us into a remote dusky-ness with "Taking Watch." The company sat stock-still in a line across the front of the stage, backs to audience, only turning heads to absorb the movements of Jillian Godwin advancing towards them and retreating from them. Is she miming in a language known only to them and foreign to us? Is she imploring, cajoling, warning, inviting? Music by film and television composer Abel Korzenowski propeled the eerie effect and then the electronica sound of Murcof layered into a new rhythm inviting the company to participate in a variety of groupings and finally as a community.

Martinz says, "'Taking Watch' captures the emotions we feel when we come together to live as a community." I got to thinking back to first day in school as a five-year-old awed by the teacher laying bare the facts of my new daily routine and with classmates slowly getting into the feel of it as participants in a new place with a whole new group of people. Being part of a tribal experience lingers with me the morning after—a continuum from the choreography. Costumes were by Motionwear.

These two works were Indiana premieres. The dates and places of their world premieres were not listed.

Act Two brought us two more premieres, each with memorable lighting by Laura E. Glover and costumes by Motionwear.

Brock Clawson's "Lake Effect Snow" was mesmerizing with undulating back projection and lighting effects that changed in a blink of an eye.

Noah Trulock was on a "journey through love." What does it mean to traverse a love landscape? Who are all these other people? How do they affect the outcomes? Electronica music by Jon Hopkins and ambient music by Carbon Based Lifeforms pushed "the poetic narrative."

With "Catapult" choreographer Kiesha Lalama told us to "Believe in your wondrous light/Believe in truths you know/Believe and take flight/Believe and let go." TranceDance music by Rishi and Harshil pushed the shamanistic movement that began with tranquility and fluidity and then upped the tempo for intricate footwork and percussive undulating as the company reconfigured with ever-changing dynamics.