overALL Choreographer’s Notes

“overALL”
by Jonathan Beloli, Demi-Soloist Tulsa Ballet
Music: “FORTANACH” by Sebastian Plano & “MARIA AND THE VIOLIN’S STRING” by Ashram

My Idea:
This piece takes inspiration from a deep spiritual journey I’ve been going through for a couple of months. We, as Humans experience loneliness,  judgment, and insecurities throughout our day to day life, yet we are never alone. Somehow, even when everything seems lost and society tries to push us to follow what they say is correct, our Father in Heaven will send us the right people who will walk us towards the plan he has laid for us.

The Structure:
A lone figure appears walking from upstage to center stage, on a very clear and narrow street of light. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious, and as
she comes to a stop, she raises her head, searching the audience for someone or something. She starts moving and feeling her body as if
distressed. At that moment three other dancers interrupt her privacy. When the main dancer tries to flee from embarrassment the three dancers pull  her back to center stage (when you find yourself alone in a room you allow yourself to be honest and if someone suddenly takes a sneak peek inside, you become flushed because you are not sure of the other’s reaction). Several other dancers are coming in the picture to surround her. They stand as a jury, staring beneath her skin, seeking confession. They demand an answer to why this lonely creature listens to a silent voice. Secrets can’t be kept in a world that strips you bare. The tension rises with the music accompanying the dancers on stage, as our main dancer has no other choice than to show who she is: just a child of God who struggles in a society full of stereotypes. The crowd assumes a new formation, attempting to drag the main dancer
along with them but she finds an escape as they begin to dance steady with clear movements. Everyone in lockstep as if obeying an unseen ruler. This
is where we all start. Presented with one viewpoint as the only correct answer.  Another figure inspired by the main dancer, attempts to join her but the
pressure soon proves too much and she falls back in line. Dancers flit on and off stage, some striving for individuality while others instantly conform.
We are told that we can be special and define our own path in life, but how is that possible without courage? How is there strength in allowing society
to pull our strings? Don’t allow someone else to write your destiny, but find The One who has already laid it all down for you. The music crescendos, and a female dancer breaks from the crowd leading the rest to watch her curiously. She is tired of the confusion and she is willing to scream out the truth. Heedless of the consequences, she takes the leap of faith towards her former friends hoping they will change with her. Her faith is so strong that  she knows somehow she will get through it. With this dancer finally soaring high, the music explodes alongside her rapture. She took her chance and people were drawn to support her and each other. They all caught her and joined her on her journey as brothers and sisters in faith. People then start to interact more, less afraid in the journey of life. Supporting each other in good and bad times, respecting each other for our differences and mistakes, so they all run towards a future together full of love and mercy. Thus, in the end they face the backdrop filled with joy and hope. They have found the keys to a good life. Don’t be scared to be yourself because the Lord will be your guide. While the crowd looks to the background, two figures dance alone, the
dancer who leapt and a male partner. He could be God leading her dancing, they could be spiritual partners or simply be important people to each
other. What we can see is that they are complete together and wouldn’t stop dancing for anything in the world. There was no question of their purpose
because it was meant to be. Our Father in Heaven put them next to each other to thrive. As their dance reaches its finale, the female lets herself be lowered to the floor finally content and at peace as the male accompanies her until the end. The light fades out with a hopeful message: we are all called to serve each other with God’s love and grace.