In the Fall of 2012, El Camino College presented Jubilation at the Campus Theatre, a dance production that highlighted different dance styles. Nichole “Nittche” Thompson Spirit Within performed African dance, while Imara Quinonez choreographed Tango in La Revancha Del Tango. Bernice Boseman contributed two standout dances to the production: The Gift and Broadway Bound. The latter involved twelve dancers and showcased performances by girls, boys, and both genders dancing together.
During The Gift performance, only one person performed a solo. The solo started with “The Little Drummer Boy” song, while the lights on stage highlighted a boy sitting on a rock with a drum. He wore a loose white shirt, shorts, and had a red belt around his waist. Moreover, there was a bright white light in the background of the stage. As the song commenced, seven unique characters entered the stage individually. They were dressed in long dresses of different colors and had their heads wrapped in long cloths.
As each dancer entered, they walked slowly towards the bright backstage light while holding up their gift. They continued to walk slowly but this time exited the stage. After everyone had left the stage, the drummer boy stood up from the rock and approached the bright light, raising his drum high. He then danced around to the beat of the drums on stage. In the beginning of the song, the first seven dancers who entered walked in a line with repeated steps. As they reached the stage, they moved across it, utilizing all the available space.
As the drummer boy exited the stage, he began dancing a solo dance. Although he moved across the stage, he primarily stayed in the middle. Throughout his dance, he showcased various jazz movements while holding the gift in his hand. The boy’s performance flowed seamlessly with the music. Bernice Boseman aimed to emphasize the cultural aspect of this dance, offering us a visual scenario to enhance our understanding of it.
By Bernice Boseman, the addition of the gift carriers at the start of the performance serves to illustrate that these individuals were wealthy and presenting a more valuable gift to god. This was symbolized by the presence of a large, radiant light positioned behind the stage, representing god’s gaze upon them. In contrast, the drummer boy, not possessing the same attractiveness as the affluent gift carriers, could only offer his musical talent to god. Through his dance, the drummer boy expresses his emotions while presenting his gift to god.
During the performance, the drummer boy would move his arms up and down, as if contemplating the value of his gift. He also kneeled down and offered his drum to God at the end. Overall, The Gift was a successful performance that effectively conveyed the author’s intent. The meaning of the song and dance was clear, and the drummer boy’s presentation of his emotions was focused. The organization of the performance was also commendable, with all participants fully committed to the dance.
