What we were doing.

What the performers were doing.

“only glass stands” sounds like part of a Google Glass ad; and MaMa reminds us of kind-of-almost of a certain cello player. But the MaMa Project’s “only glass stands” dance performance was neither. Read on to find out what Bwog staffers Becky Novik and Jennifer Nugent thought of last night’s première!

Warning: Written in the afterglow.

Remember that time your best friend dragged you to some unassuming student improv show, but then you walked out feeling a like a changed human being?

Not to be dramatic, but that’s what the MaMa Project’s “only glass stands” performance will do to you. Everyone get out of Butler and purchase a ticket to experience this transformative contemporary dance performance.

The show was tied together by a series of vignettes, all under the umbrella of the theme of home. Each routine was wildly different, yet totally cohesive in sequence, creating an energetic, engaging, and thought-provoking atmosphere.

“Home is not a place.  It means something different to everyone,” said creator Catherine Haber BC ’16.

Haber collaborated strongly with the dancers to bring in a variety of unique home experiences, objects, and dance styles.  Talking with her after the show, Catherine explained the creative process to us. Inspired by being a senior, traveling abroad, and even making the journey from L.A. to New York, Haber was clearly influenced by the concept and feeling of home, rather than a particular place, in creating the work.

“I asked every dancer to bring in objects that reminded them of home and incorporated them into the show as much as I could,” said Haber.

This was the inspiration behind the different micro-plots within the performance, which included elements of nature, shoes, and poetry, all of which were punctuated by corresponding videos of the dancers. By asking each of the dancers to become involved in this way, Haber drew the participants into the emotion behind the story, and that connection was evident in, and essential to, the performance.

Technically speaking, the dancers were all impeccable. The synchronization of the groups during the vignettes was especially notable, although each dancer had their own moment as well. The juxtaposition of hip-hop isolations with flowing lyrical lines showcased how each of the dancer’s skills were equally essential to the piece as a whole.  Each moment was intertwined effortlessly via well-coordinated transitions that served to tie the piece together, also creating great use of space.

Many of the details, such as strong partner work, incredible control, and the dancer’s ability to lengthen a movement, spoke to the fact that in addition to being emotionally compelling, the piece was also well-crafted.

Above all else, “only glass stands,” serves to show how much talent rests within the Columbia University student body.  We all love to take advantage of the city and trek downtown for shows, but we should pay attention to our own peers, who can amaze us in equal capacity.

Come find your home at the Glicker-Milstein Theater in the Diana Center; tickets sold at the door.  Performances at 8 pm tonight and tomorrow.

Professional dancers via Barry Goyette, Wikimedia Commons and baby dancer via Parksy1964, Wikimedia Commons