Patron of the arts and balletomane, Lynn Armstrong attended Reckless on April 3, 2022 at Anderson University and shared his feedback about the performance.

Last weekend in Anderson, I had the sheer joy and blessing of experiencing Reckless presented by Ballet 5:8. Come Monday morning, I was still thinking about Reckless. The performance had a beautiful memorable effect on me in many unique ways.

First, I want to say that I was deeply moved and appreciative of the message in Reckless for bringing the awareness of the world of trafficking and sexual exploitation that is prevalent in our communities. This was sensitively and effectively portrayed through the role of Gomer, taken from the Book of Hosea in the Bible. Gomer was innocently drawn into this world and finds herself trapped with no way out until mercy finds her and gives her hope. A living hope and true love that continues to rescue her again even though she stumbled back into the same life as before. Thank you Ballet 5:8 for your insight to address this.

From the moment the curtain opened, I was transported into a bustling city scene, aided by the video backdrop of a cityscape and the movement of groups of dancers striding across the stage. I was immediately impressed that instead of a myriad of stage props to set the scene, dancers were living stage props! This continued throughout the story! For example, a moving and stopping city bus. The doors on the city bus were portrayed by two dancers, with sliding movements for the effect of bus doors opening and closing with sound effects! Another example is from Act 2, in the home of Gomer and Hosea. All the internal furnishings of the home (including artwork) were portrayed by the dancers interlocking with each other or holding in an individual still position. I also liked the idea of having all the dancers on stage throughout the ballet story. This presented unity.

The part of Gomer was presented through three dancers instead of one, as Gomer's intellect, Gomer's subconscious, and Gomer herself. It was wonderful to see this! This clearly showed that as Gomer was drawn into an unwanted life of trafficking and exploitation, it was not all at once, but gradual. Evil was drawing her in through her subconscious and intellect separately and then her complete self until Gomer found herself in a place of desperation and hopelessness that she never intended or dreamed possible. The roles of Gomer, her Intellect, her Subconscious, Hosea, International Blue, Kara, and all the chorus are not easily danced. It was clear the dancers supported each other, believed and trusted in each other, and gave of themselves emotionally, all with excellence.

The choreography was powerful and the artistic expression of each dancer was true to the character they were portraying. The costumes were modern-day but still allowed the dancers freedom of movement. This is not an easy accomplishment. It was evident that the choreographer, dancers, and the entire staff believed sincerely in the message of this ballet. Everyone presented their parts with passion and with the skill of some of the best ballet dancing that I have seen in a very long time. I was also moved that the focus of the choreography wasn't to highlight one or two dancers but to keep the focus on the message.

This is a ballet that I want to see again. The skill and sincere artistic expression of the dancers, the vision of the choreographer, the powerful music, and the effectiveness of the set all blended seamlessly to present the story of Gomer, saved by a reckless true love and unending mercy! Well done Ballet 5:8!!

Lynn Armstrong
4/8/2022