Return to Atlas Lang Theatre for ICONS choreographer’s collective 2026 premiering a new work

In May, we returned to the Atlas Performing Arts Center with a new work titled “Pebbles at a River’s Edge”. This quintet is a second generation of a trio we choreographed for National Choreography Month. The trio “Saculpa” was about individual pebbles coming together to form one unified rock. For the refurbished quintet version, SylviDances members Rachel Lawal and Deanna Woodman directed, shaped and rehearsed the piece making it stage ready.

Sylvana Christopher, Grace Cannon, Aaron Jackson, Keith Macadangdang, and the audacious Tam Phan-Nguyen, our newest guest artist, took center stage to deliver an performance that was nothing short of electrifying at the 2nd annual ICONS Choreographer’s Collective. Our choreography dared to challenge conventions, set against a daringly evocative short piece of music that mirrors the thrilling chaos of space travel, “Voyager: Concerto for Violin, Piano and Strings 1,” masterfully crafted by the remarkable Oliver Davis. Cannon boldly declared this musical selection an ‘ear worm,’ insinuating itself into the psyche of the audience with a tenacity that demanded attention long after the final curtain call.

As the dancers took to the stage, the energy in the room was palpable, resonating with the rhythm of the music and the emotional weight of the performance. Each movement was meticulously crafted, embodying the essence of exploration and chaos that the score evoked. The synergy among the dancers was not merely technical; it was a profound connection that radiated across the stage, drawing the audience into their world. Each dancer brought their own unique interpretation to the piece, weaving intricate threads of movement that told a larger story of unity and divergence.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the performance unfolded, inviting spectators to reflect on their own journeys and the myriad challenges that come with venturing into the unknown. The performers became beacons of light amidst this exploration, provoking deep contemplation on the themes of tumult, exploration, and the limitless potential that resides beyond the bounds of our earthly existence. Audience were invited to question their place within the grand cosmos, challenging them to see themselves as part of a larger narrative that transcends individuality and resonates with the shared experiences of humanity.

In the rehearsal process, the company experimented with bouldering off a cliff and ricocheting off one another’s bodies, pushing the boundaries of our physical capabilities and exploring trust within the ensemble. Lawal reimagined how the work could live into the image of a large river, perhaps at the bottom of a canyon, flowing seamlessly through the landscape of human emotion and connection. We worked at rounding our spines and challenging each other with stillness and elongated pauses, cultivating a deep awareness of our shared breath and heartbeat. Our subtle improvisation was intricately impacted by the force and motion around us, each shift in weight generating ripples of movement that inspired new explorations. Jostling till equidistant, we ebbed and flowed together like a current, each moment creating new possibilities for expression. Imagine rushing water and baby sea turtles dancing over and under crashing waves, each creature navigating the depths with grace and resilience. Yes, I am mixing our ‘river’ with ‘ocean’ imagery, but stay with me please, for within this blend lies the essence of our journey—fluidity, adaptability, and the beauty of movement within chaos.

As we reinterpreted the meaning of the work for five dancers, Lawal ensured that we included generative material from Cannon, Jackson, Macadangdang, and Pham-Nguyen, each bringing their unique perspective and style to the project. Composing and adding new material enriched this work with an array of movement gestures and ideas with which to play, allowing us to explore the depths of creativity and collaboration. This process ignited a sense of curiosity and excitement among the dancers as we delved into the distinct personalities and nuances of our combined movements. Making space for each other to imbed their individuality into the dance is truly special, as it fosters an environment of mutual respect and innovation. It becomes a fun challenge to learn and examine each other’s movement preferences and gestures, ultimately leading to a more cohesive yet diverse performance that celebrates the richness of our collaboration and our shared passion for dance.

Flashes of fins and flicks of skirted tails becoming offerings to the gentle current. We divide into 2’s and 3’s, swirl into eddies, and ricochet some more, creating a mesmerizing dance that captivates the eye. A beautiful collection forms in a semi circle and traces the river underbelly, where the light shimmers and reflects a kaleidoscope of colors. As rocky beings, we go for a ride when offered, diving into the water head first, feeling the cool embrace of nature, and perch atop a fellow pebble, finding solace in our tranquil surroundings. Picture water lapping against our forms under dappled sunlight echoing softly, a reminder of the harmony that thrives beneath the surface. At last, we have come to stillness again, precariously balanced amid the shifting tides, contemplating the fleeting moments of peace we hold … for now.

Projection Art by Brandon Dozier.
Photos by Andres Garcia.