For one hour, a group of dancers with varying skill levels and experience improvised for the first staged production of “Danceapalooza.”

While it’s been a consistent annual dance event for over a decade, in the past it has always been hosted in downtown Hammond. 

For each act, choreographers chose a song or song compilation, title and general map for their dancers. They gave performers minimal prior instruction outside of a general stage map, and some choreographers didn’t expose dancers to the music until show time. 

Although the idea for the show was creative, the delivery felt flat and under-developed in many of the acts. For example, the “Ping Pong 1152” piece developed by Skip Costa, artistic director and dance instructor, left me confused. After discussing the act with Costa, he explained the concept had gotten lost on the dancers. Where his idea was for them to work with the paddles into a dance movement, they portrayed themselves as actual athletes, which wasn’t the most entertaining. 

The overall production quality, specifically transitions, fell short of a collegiate-level showcase. The awkward gaps between each piece blunted the impact of the acts. For example, the piece “Human,” directed by Crystal Schayot, an alumna with 18 years of dance training, was moving in its choreography, emotion and simplicity. However, as soon as the song ended, the stage lights went off, blaring lights went on in the audience and the room fell silent. The lack of a smooth flow made the show seem amateurish and choppy. 

Despite its general flaws, some of the pieces were quite beautiful and moving with apparent depth of skill and meaning. The final piece, “The Run,” directed by Costa, focused on the battle of breast cancer. The entire crew ran on stage in black workout clothes and T-shirts with large pink ribbons on the front. Susan Spring, a Hammond native currently fighting breast cancer, ran as a guest performer on center stage. The piece clearly portrayed the struggle and need for support of those inflicted. 

Overall, the concert was a fun idea with a few gems to be found, but as a whole it was under-developed. Costa explained there were a few elements they would like to improve for next year’s “Danceapalooza.” 

Establishing a general theme may help dancers have more understanding and direction. The styles, concepts, musical selections and meanings were so varied, I felt like I was at a rehearsal more than an actual show. Though that may have been the point, I think further interpretational development and higher production quality would make for a more satisfying evening of entertainment.