Elevate dance concert captivates audiences with “The Artist’s Journey”

Shamblin Theater at Lipscomb University is no stranger to amazing storytellers. Each year, Lipscomb’s talented theater department graces the stage with multiple, breathtaking performances. 

Last weekend, Shamblin was home to yet another new story – but instead of using words, artists told a story through movement. 

During three performances of Elevate, Lipscomb Theatre’s resident dance company captivated audiences as they told the story of The Artist’s Journey. For two hours, the stage was filled with constant motion: from the smooth, clean lines of ballet, to edgy hip hop performances, the dancers left no area of their craft unexplored.

Using little more than their bodies as props, the Elevate dancers displayed the full power of music and movement as tools for storytelling.

The Elevate dance performance is an annual show that features all styles of dance. It began in 2014, when three adjunct professors founded Lipscomb’s Foundation Dance Theatre Company. 

One of those adjuncts, Kari Smith, is now a full-time faculty at Lipscomb. Along with being the assistant chair of the theater department, Smith runs Lipscomb’s theater education program, directs some theater shows, choreographs musicals and runs the dance company. She also directs Elevate.

Each year of Elevate revolves around a different theme. As the director, Smith puts a lot of thought into what story she wants to tell.

“I think the way I pick is I think about what dancers I have, and sort of try to pick a topic that I know is relatable to them,” said Smith. “This year, it’s called The Artist’s Journey.”

Smith said the theme was loosely tied to a book the theater department reads in a senior seminar class, called The Artist’s Way, which explores how artists can navigate their identity in a healthy way.

“I kind of piggybacked off of that and called it The Artist’s Journey instead of The Artist’s Way. It’s about the things artists go through, and each dance explores a different way of that. It kind of goes chronologically,” said Smith.

The Artist’s Journey begins in a burst of color and sound. The dancers whirl around the stage to songs like “Dance the Night” and “Better When I’m Dancing,” representing the joy of friendship, adolescence and the first feeling of the artistic “spark.” 

This year’s Elevate show, like last year, incorporated spoken word poetry. As the colorful joy of childhood bloomed into a soft glow, Lipscomb theater alum Hayden Linsdsey’s voice filled the theater and spoke about learning to understand the artistic spark inside of you.

The performers displayed deep, raw emotions during their dances. Some of the highlights were a beautiful ballet movement to an instrumental version of “Golden Hour,” and Megan Ammons’ breathtaking performance of “Vienna” by Billy Joel.

Elevate kept audiences on their feet: slow, moving ballads were often followed by high-tempo, contemporary songs and dance styles. From instrumental music to an original rap song by performer James Weir, the performance utilized all modes of music. The 23 dancers switched costumes, too, sporting everything from the bright colors of 80’s Jazzercise, to the black and gold sequins of “showbiz.”

After intermission, the dancers entered a new phase of an Artist’s Journey. Lindsey’s poetry gave words to the challenges all artists have to face: comparison, judgement and burnout.  The colors of the first dances faded into darkness, and performers gave a haunting artistic portrayal of insecurity.  

Smith said the emotions the dancers represented weren’t limited to only artists. Audiences were invited to think about their own experiences while they were watching Elevate.

“I think everyone can relate to the things these pieces talk about…I think everyone can recognize themselves in some of these stories,” said Smith.

When it felt like the darkness on stage would completely overwhelm any artistic spark, a new hope emerged: friendship. Lizzy McAlpine’s voice rang through the theater, and dancers found each other as the lyrics of “Call Your Mom” proclaimed the power of trusting others. 

Lindsey’s poetry illuminated the feeling of rediscovering your original spark, saying, “Joy moves freely through community, creating and connection.” The final few songs of the show were full of new life, freedom and gratitude. The last song of the show, “Here’s to the One,” proclaimed the dancers’ gratitude to Jesus. The lyrics perfectly represented the visual change from darkness to light:

“Here’s to the One who graced the dead of night; Pulled me from the dark, set my heart alight.”  

The audience realized the show was ending as the song “Applause” filled the room, and all 23 performers took to the stage together. As the dancers took their last bows, the entire audience stood to its feet with a newfound appreciation for the artists they had just watched perform. 

For some seniors in the company, this was a bittersweet moment. Callie Jean Tysdal, a senior musical theater major, said she would forever remember this year’s show. 

“I’m going to remember how proud I am of myself and my friends, and specifically our choreography. We’ve come so far since being freshmen,” said Tysdal.

For other dancers, next year’s Elevate show promises a new chapter in their own Artist’s Journey.

Feature image of Megan Ammons dancing to “Vienna” taken by Madelyn Paul.