Certainly not up for elimination was “Steve & Jim, Jim & Steve: Another Modern Dance,” conceived of by Nicholas and Alexander Cendese and choreographed by Nicholas Cendese, plus Leah Ahlander and Grace Messinger, who also performed the work. This piece was the evening’s comic relief—and perhaps one of the most successful uses of humor in dance that I have ever seen.

Pairing very classically modern dance movements with football-like commentary recorded by Alexander Cendese, the dance progressed from the humorous to the absurd as one of the commentators was moved to reveal deeper and deeper secrets and doubts from his own life. Despite the hilarity, “Steve & Jim, Jim & Steve: Another Modern Dance,” provided insight into the mind of a dance viewer, capturing the moment dance offers the ability to project oneself and one’s life onto the stage. 

Aside from these three works, there was a dance created for seven dance educators from across the Salt Lake valley, one made on dancers over 40, several works for young and pre-professional dancers, and one dance film.

The breadth and depth of work presented both emphasized community and cheapened the evening, even prompting some audience members to feel it was OK to leave during a work, walking in front of the entire audience. Though it was an enjoyable, moving night at the theater, Emerge could have greatly benefitted from editing—without it, the three most impactful pieces were buried.