by Teresa Sadowska

We all entered Hunter College with a mission. For some, perhaps many, the mission is a straightforward one: “graduate as soon as possible.” For others the mission is dreamier and vaguer: “find yourself.” At a liberal arts college, we are offered a space to be free thinkers, explore, and challenge ourselves. The hope for the post-college experience is that this way of life will continue as we continue to connect the freedom and inspiration of our college education to both the everyday and our careers. That we never stop learning how to connect our mentality to our physical being or the values we hold dear to the true existence we create. Finding the connection of the soul to the body. The theme of connection between body and soul is explored by the Recirquel Company Budapest’s production Non Solus, which was performed at Brooklyn Academy of Music this past weekend.

The production itself is a balancing act between circus acrobatics and modern dance – it can not be described as simply one or the other. Written, choreographed, and directed by the Hungarian company’s founder and artistic director Bence Vági, this “cirque danse,” a creation of Vági himself, both induces the thrill and physical feats of the circus – the oohs and the ahhs – as well as commits to the artistry of contemporary dance. With only two performers and a stripped-down, industrial set of reflective surfaces and a rope for aerial arts, Non Solus did not exhibit itself as overwhelming at first. Yet the contents of the show had audience members gasping, wailing, and cheering. The acrobatic feats performed included astonishing balancing acts and extraordinary acts of trust between the two performers. There is no safety net, and there is no turning back – the performers were truly connected, to each other and within themselves, mentally and physically, throughout the entire hour-long performance. I was inspired by the rawness and trust displayed on stage that night – both body and soul exposed their depth and myself, a student of the arts, sat in awe.

Non Solus was a part of BAM’s generous and thoughtful programming for college students, BAM Pregame. The Pregame program offers a ticket discount and a special student only pre-show experience before the Thursday night performances. As I attended the Saturday night show, I did not get to experience the Thursday pre-show event but still got to enjoy an incredible orchestra seat priced at 10 dollars for students. However dreamy the aspirations for the college experience may be, what college student can turn down a good discount? College students from across New York City’s five boroughs should be flocking to Brooklyn for BAM Pregame tickets to be inspired by incredible artistry. It’s the reason we go to college in the greatest city in the world, and BAM is the reason I have faith in the future of arts programming for students.

---

Go with OOA! Join Hunter College Arts Ambassadors on Thu. April 4 at the next BAM Pregame show: Diary of One Who Disappeared.