Celebrating 10 Years of The PULSE on Tour in One Gala

You know who throws a really great party? The PULSE on Tour. Last night marked the culmination of The PULSE’s 10th anniversary season, after the convention’s week-long Summer Intensive in NYC. From celeb appearances to spectacular guest performances (including dancers from Ballet Hispanico), the choreographers, producers, students—everyone!—put on a heck of a show. Dance Spirit was there to soak in all of the standing-ovation action. Here’s a quick rundown of what made the evening so special.

1. The wedding themes.
Chris Judd used his wedding song (a variation of Amos Lee’s “Sweet Pea”) as inspiration for his Summer Intensive large group piece. It was jazzy, uplifting and fun to watch. But On the Other Hand, choreographed by Teresa Stone and set to Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” took a slightly darker turn. Stone, who’s a brilliant storyteller, created a wedding party gone awry in which the bride and groom are fighting and probably rethinking their nuptials. It made for an uncomfortable viewing experience—but only because the dancers were so committed to the story and movement. I don’t think I was the only audience member on the edge of my seat. Here’s a previous performance of Stone’s On the Other Hand:

2. The 2014–15 Elite Protégé piece, choreographed by
Dance Spirit
cover star Ian Eastwood. This piece was about feeling like the odd-man out: Superstar Charlize Glass played a dancer who couldn’t quite fit in. Then one day, the others notice her talents, and she becomes part of the group. It wasn’t the most subtle or compelling plot, but with Eastwood’s lightning-fast choreo and the (now former!) Elite Protégés’ performance ability, the storyline didn’t really matter.

Behind the scenes with Ian Eastwood (center) and the 2014–15 Elite Protégés (via @Ian_Eastwood)

3. Tricia Miranda’s CAMP PULSE number.
Oh, the littles. Miranda certainly knows what she’s doing when it comes to kid-friendly choreography. This time, Miranda costumed the dancers in their jammies and set the stage for a boys vs. girls’ slumber party. Anytime there’s a cypher with dancers in footie pajamas, you know it’s going to be good. And of course, these fabulous young talents (hi, Brooklyn Nets Kids Fiona Krkuti and Alex Rubiano!) delivered. Best. Sleepover. Ever.

4. Getting to see The PULSE faculty dressed to the nines.
Sure, these choreographers look super-cool in class attire. (Can anyone else rock a pair of sweats quite like hip-hop teachers? Nope.) But getting to see their out-of-class fashion sense is pure fun.

So fancy! (The PULSE on Tour faculty; photo via @Cjudd)

5.
Kyle Hanagami‘s choreography for the 2014–15 Protégés. I’m not sure how Hanagami created a cohesive piece for 100 students—but he did. Dancers entered and exited the stage so quickly, but there was never a break in the action. That’s also a testament to the dancers, who performed Hanagami’s intricate choreo flawlessly.

Congrats, dancers, for such truly fantastic performances! And a special shout out to The PULSE’s new 2015–16 Elite Protégés:

The PULSE on Tour’s Kristen Plant (center) with the new 2015–16 Elite Protégés (via @kc13dance)