Commentary:
OCU'S AMERICAN SPIRIT
DANCERS EXPLORE
LYRICAL & JAZZ DANCE
By Nancy Condit
Oklahoma City University's American Spirit Dancers, under the direction of
dance chair Jo Rowan and produced by John Bedford, performed an engrossing
evening of mostly lyrical and jazz dances last evening at OCU' Kirkpatrick
Fine Arts Auditorium. 
The evening's highlight was "Fireflies," with women and men holding jars of
lit fireflies against an evening setting of a dark blue back drop and evening
lighting. The performers danced as though they were directed by the fireflies.
It was an almost magical dance, choreographed by Julie Russell Stanley.
The other show stopper was women tappers in a free style, arms involved
dance to "I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker," choreographed by Jessica Fay.
Quite well costumed with the women in flannel, with other shirts tied around 
their waists, and touches of suspenders.
From a lighting and costuming point of view, "Blue Skies," was a knockout
as a man sang and danced in a white tux, with a chorus line of vibrant
deep sky blue leotard clad and teal over the elbow gloved women danced, 
including eye high kicks.
From a dance acting point of view, Shelby Ward was particularly effective in
the "1775 - Mama Look Sharp" opening dance of the "Patriotic Suite." As Mama,

she looked for her son through tall grass and across the stage, in a well acted, well
danced piece choreographed by Jo Rowan. 
The performances continue tonight at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 10 at 2p.m.
and 8 p.m.