The Modern Atlanta Dance Fest (MADFest), founded in 1993 by Douglas Scott, continues its tradition of showcasing the remarkable and diverse talent within Atlanta’s dance community.
This year’s festival opened with palpable excitement at the Emory Performing Arts Studio’s lobby, where attendees eagerly mingled and collected their tickets before the performance began.
Once the doors opened, guests found their seats, anticipation hanging thick in the air.
About 20 minutes in, the stage lights dimmed, signaling the start of an evening filled with artistic expression.
Director Douglas Scott graced the stage to welcome the audience, sharing insights about the festival and its thoughtfully curated program.
For many, including myself, MADFest was an introduction to a vibrant art form that embodies the intersection of creativity and human connection.
The evening kicked off with Full Radius Dance, a company known for its captivating performances that include both dancers with and without disabilities.
Their piece, titled Frost, was choreographed by Douglas Scott himself.
The performance created a metaphorical conversation among the dancers, sharing unique narratives within a collective story.
The innovative use of chairs and clapping added striking auditory elements, while the sight of a dancer using a wheelchair brought a powerful dimension to the performance’s message of inclusivity.
Following this, Necromantic, a duet choreographed by Isa Newport, captured the audience’s attention with its haunting visuals and emotional depth.
Beginning under a large tan fabric, reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Pietà, the piece unfolded slowly, showcasing an intimate portrayal of connection and vulnerability.
As the music intensified, the dancers emerged in flesh-colored attire, presenting a beautifully synchronized exploration of desire and embodiment.
This physical language conveyed a raw intimacy that resonated deeply with those watching.
The choreography culminated in a poignant moment where one dancer succumbed, evoking feelings of loss or closure, before being gently draped again by the fabric.
The elegance of this performance left a lasting impression on the audience.
Another highlight of the evening was the two-part performance titled Ritual and Prayer, created and performed by Haley Raye Schmitt of the Georgia Ballet.
Schmitt commanded the stage with her presence, combining classical ballet techniques with contemporary elements, achieving a visually striking display in a concise timeframe.
The audience was captivated by her athleticism and artistic expression, demonstrating the sheer power of dance.
Next, dancers donned colorful jumpsuits for the performance Lockstep, featuring choreography by Associate Professor Andrea Knowlton from Kennesaw State University.
This piece integrated ropes to symbolize the ties that bind us—whether to people, responsibilities, or even technological devices.
It prompted reflection on the universal quest for connection juxtaposed against the need for solitude in our hyper-connected world.
The use of evocative songs by Labi Siffre, along with archival voice recordings, further enriched the performance experience.
Jodie Jernigan captivated the audience with her profound performance in On Guilt & Clementines, pairing an original essay with choral music.
Her ability to seamlessly intertwine spoken word and intricate choreography demonstrated exceptional skill, making this one-woman show stand out.
Lastly, the festival closed with Hope Horizon, a piece choreographed by Gregory Catellier and Kristin O’Neal.
This piece featured a multitude of dancers, occasionally synchronized but often performing individually, reflecting a search for hope.
Their gazes occasionally intersected with the audience, adding an intriguing layer to the performance.
The emotionality throughout the evening was palpable and left many attendees feeling inspired.
In my own research about MADFest, I discovered it is one of the few professionally juried dance festivals in the Southeast.
Since its inception, Full Radius Dance has hosted over 90 companies and independent choreographers on its stage, compensating participants with more than $60,000 in honoraria.
The festival plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community for local artists by organizing joint classes and community events, as well as nurturing new audiences through its open format.
Attending MADFest offered a profound exploration of the rich tapestry of Atlanta’s dance scene, exposing me to the creativity and depth that thrives within the community.
Leaving the event, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the artistic endeavors I witnessed.
MADFest serves as not just a showcase of talent, but a powerful celebration of artistic expression and human connection.
As the first experience of many, I eagerly anticipate returning to MADFest next year, this time sharing this magical experience with friends.
image source from：artsatl
