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(Photo by Mark Garvin.)

The words “Gaga” and “fame” have become fused together in the pop culture lexicon ever since Lady Gaga’s debut album was released in 2008. Being a twenty-something pop music lover, my first thought when I heard about a “Gaga People” movement workshop at the Kasser Theater was whether I should wear my meat dress or my Kermit the Frog poncho. But Lady Gaga this was not. The “Gaga” in question refers to the movement language, developed by Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, in which performers reintroduce themselves to the sensations of their bodies, allowing them to find their own natural and fluid movement. Read more »

(Photo by Mark Garvin.)

LeeSaar The Company presented an intense dance performance at Montclair State last weekend. Called FAME, the show had no ties to the movie or television show with the same name. LeeSaar’s FAME was a creative and modern performance that showed the evolution of fame through music, dance, and lighting. 

The show began in complete silence as the small cast came on stage. I saw this as the first stage of being famous, which starts as a dream or an idea. Several solos followed that could be perceived as the stage when a person tries to become famous. My favorite part was when one of the dancers lip synched to a song from a live concert, to create the feeling of watching a pop star. I interpreted this as the moment of fame, when the artist knows they are famous. 

Most of the show was very abstract, and I didn’t always understand the message it was trying to convey, especially during the second half. Overall, was it about the decline of fame—or is there even an end to fame? Or maybe finding a “message” wasn’t the point?  If you saw the show, leave a comment below on your interpretation! 

Jason Balinskas is an undergraduate student at Montclair State, majoring in Communications Studies with a concentration in Public Relations.

(Photo by Mark Garvin.)

LeeSaar The Company presented a unique performance of FAME at Montclair State from March 29 to April 1. The show, choreographed by Lee Sher and Saar Harari, consisted of seven performers whose creative, interpretive moves kept you on the edge of your seat. 

Five female dancers started the show with a theatrical and inventive series of simultaneous solos danced without music. The performance was at its peak when one of the performers sang a heartfelt solo. My favorite scene, though, was toward the end, when a dancer began imitating a monkey and then flowed right back into her choreography. It was a surprising moment that was an example of an eccentric spin to the show, and it changed your perception of what the dancers were capable of achieving. 

LeeSaar The Company really strives for pure innovation in their work. The eccentric tone and their inventive moves kept you eager to see what was to come next. I recommend that anyone seeking mysterious and unusual work watch one of their pieces! 

Maxine Mack is an undergraduate student at Montclair State, majoring in Communications Studies with a focus on public relations.