Kaleidoscope Dance School Brings 'Carmina Burana' to Life

The Kaleidoscope Dance School's production of Carl Orff's iconic 'Carmina Burana' is a visual and emotional feast that leaves audiences mesmerized. The company's artistic director, David Hochoy, has taken the classic score and transformed it into a captivating dance piece that explores the pagan world of ancient Europe.

The dance itself is a masterclass in storytelling, with flowing, lyrical movements bringing forth billowing, curving postures and enhanced by the striking costumes designed by Barry Doss and Laura E. The dancers' interpretations of Orff's score are exhaustive and exhausting, conveying the pulse and accents of the music with precision.

Hochoy's lighting design is equally impressive, seemingly poised between artificial and natural worlds to draw out the emotional resonance of the text. He has taken a bold approach, focusing more on the emotional depth of the piece rather than its literal meaning.

The costumes are a highlight of the production, with their panoply of colors and textures evoking a sense of pagan life that is both pre-Christian and extra-Christian. The setting, while timeless, feels like it could be from a parallel universe where nature and fleshly pleasures are celebrated against the backdrop of omnipotent Fate.

The removal of any medieval or European influences allows the audience to approach the piece with fresh eyes, untainted by preconceptions about the Goliard poets who inspired Orff's music. Instead, the Kaleidoscope Dance School has created a unique interpretation that benefits from its independence from the original context.

'Carmina Burana' is a brand that is synonymous with classical music, and the Kaleidoscope Dance School's production does it justice. With its iconic opening chorus, 'O Fortuna,' the piece has been pressed into service to sell everything from cars to perfume. But in the hands of this talented company, it becomes something more - a celebration of the human experience that transcends time and context.

Overall, the Kaleidoscope Dance School's production of 'Carmina Burana' is a must-see for anyone who loves dance, music, or both. With its stunning costumes, captivating choreography, and unforgettable setting, it is an event that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Kaleidoscope dance school