Ajayi Dance’s ‘Half the Sky’ to Explore Themes of Masculinity, Identity, Injustice, and the Female Condition [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Dancer-choreographer Melissa Ajayi’s interest in creating her own dance works came at a young age in her hometown dance studio in New Philadelphia, Ohio. It only grew stronger over the years as a dance major at Kent State University and as a freelance dance artist living in New York City and Lexington, Kentucky. So, forming her own eponymous project-based dance company in … Continue reading Ajayi Dance’s ‘Half the Sky’ to Explore Themes of Masculinity, Identity, Injustice, and the Female Condition [PREVIEW]

Dance, Sports, Tragedy and Triumph, ‘The Running Show’ is a Winner [REVIEW]

Monica Bill Barnes & CompanyThe Running ShowThe University of Akron’s E. J. Thomas Performing Arts HallAkron, OH September 25, 2021 Reviewed by Steve Sucato Billed as an athletic, humorous and insightful dance-theater work/live documentary that looks at the life of a dancer as athlete/sports figure, Monica Bill Barnes & Company’s The Running Show did that as well as creating a glorious and touching metaphor for … Continue reading Dance, Sports, Tragedy and Triumph, ‘The Running Show’ is a Winner [REVIEW]