An EPIIC Night Filled With Nostalgia
Los Angeles based creative group launches their movement series with a tribute to iconic film directors
The EPIIC Dance Movement group debuted their EPIIC Night Series with a John Williams and Steven Spielberg tribute entitled “John & Steven” on Thursday, Feb. 8.
“John & Steven” was filled with action, adventure and drama, much like Williams’ and Spielberg’s films. The musical score consisted of iconic orchestral soundtracks from films such as “Jurassic Park,” “E.T.” and “Indiana Jones.” However, what made the show a tribute was not the music, but rather the dancers who played the fictional persona of a child or successor to characters from said films.
The show began with founder Darrél Frïïdom Dunn, also known as Friidom, dressed in a suit similar to a music composer. He stood at center stage with a music stand and baton in hand, as if he were to start an orchestral concert.
“I am a movement composer,” said Friidom.
According to his Instagram page, a movement composer is someone who takes inspiration from different cultures and philosophies “in the orchestra [he] calls life.” The instruments in this orchestra are himself and the dancers of the group.
As he asked for the music to play, a woman, who is assumed to be in charge of the music, began to dance towards him with a prop in hand. With casual clothing and heels to boot, many were shocked as she moved through the rows of people towards Friidom.
He danced passionately around the crowd as if we were his instruments and as his grand solo came to a close, he began to introduce the dancers.
The group utilized the entire space and made sure to keep the audience interested by allowing them to be a part of the show. The seats were arranged so that the audience was able to sit both around and in the middle of the moving action. What added allure to this effect was how the dancers were seated in the audience themselves.
When they moved and jumped into character, the audience members were shocked and immediately drawn into the show, even turning around in their seats so they wouldn’t miss a single action.
It was interesting to see the flow of modern dance and technique alongside the more staccato movements of hip-hop dance styles. Somehow it all worked and fit the show’s theme of carving your own path.
Overall, the “John & Steven” tribute show was incredibly thematic and awe-inspiring. The music and acting from the performers left me with a feeling of nostalgia, as if I were watching the movies they were paying homage to.
As a movement group made by passionate creatives striving to making a name for themselves, EPIIC is a group that you should keep an eye out for.
Follow the EPIIC Movement and Friidom on all their social media platforms for up to date news on their performances.
- Instagram: @thefriidom / @epiicmovement
- Website: https://thefriidom.com/
