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However, after seeing the show I am predictably eating my words, although eating anything after that skinny-minnie extravaganza will be guilt-ridden.
After seeing the show I am predictably eating my words, although eating anything after that skinny-minnie extravaganza will be guilt-ridden.
This year the full title for the event was ‘Fusion in Motion’. Incorporating varying genres from the silver-screen, the choreographers co-ordinated spectacular sequences utilising various societies from across the university. Fusion is certainly an apt term for this event and I think this is what closed the deal regarding its legitimacy.
The event showcased the university’s extraordinary talent with performances from Dance Society, Pole Exercise, Dance Sport and the Japanese Society, to name but a few. Fusion successfully pulled together the outstanding skill on offer without making it seem a mish-mash type affair.
Although the charity aspect is undoubtedly Fusion’s winning asset, even without this the sheer empowering spirit of the links made between societies makes the event worthwhile. Creating a whole new society which should probably be entitled "Hot Soc", the event epitomised its name this year.
Early on, there was a western sequence which served the purpose of telling the girls watching: there are hot guys in York (Shock. Horror.) Although the homo-eroticism made it hard to refrain from shouting "Brokeback Mountain", the boys worked their bodies to perfection.
Some notably interesting sequences included the horror and pole-dancing sections with some incredible athleticism, well-styled quirky outfits and dancing which straddled both appropriate modesty and sultry naughtiness simultaneously.
As well as the numerous mass group performances, there were some notably talented individuals that deserve a mention. Michelle Ndebele, joint lead choreographer, should get a huge medallion-style award for both her co-ordination and dancing abilities.She shone her way through numerous performances with a professional quality that demanded the question: how have you not been snapped up by Sylvia Young?
Jo Gledhill, the other joint lead choreographer, demanded the same question due to her dynamic and edgy quality that served to reinforce her elegance in a section performed to the beautiful Kissing You from Romeo and Juliet. Performed with the hugely talented Tom Rogers, this section was a definite highlight as its subtlety contrasted the dynamicity of many other sections. Rogers said of the event: "The whole thing was amazing to do. We all have fun and I think it shows."
Stealing the show however were the Ghostbusters: Anton Murphy, Lionel Owusu, Michael Batula and Ike Ogbodo. This comic foursome epitomised what the event was about with their beautiful bodies, skilled dancing and superb comic-timing. These guys could make fun of themselves, making their sections notably endearing.
Some sections seemed to slightly undermine the genuine ability of most of the event however. The lingerie section in particular was slightly cringe-worthy in that this exemplified the criticised perceived premise of the show; a chance for the ‘beautiful-ones’ to showcase to the rest their aesthetic superiority.
For the rest however, Fusion made for hugely entertaining viewing. Enough with the gushing superlatives though; just go tonight to support Cancer Research and local charity SNAPPY. If you are even slightly sceptical, go and get converted as the excellently selected soundtrack gets you jiggling in your seat. You may just eat your (calorie-counted) words.
To buy a ticket for tonight's showing, please go to the YUSU website and a limited number are still available from Your:Shop.
Ummm..... i think you might mean Michelle Ndbele not Angela Udemba. Michelle is joint lead choreographer.....
"There are hot guys in York (Shock. Horror.)"
.*ahem* 
Thanks very much anon. I was given the name Angela as choreographer...the article has been changed.
Man, I tried so hard to hate it. But Fusion was genuinely stupidly amazing.
Other than the instant I must go on a diet and do more with my life feeling you get from being around so many good looking talented people, it was a really awesome show, look out for the gymnastics soc section as well, was really really impressive!
Its interesting how much people prefer the dance, and urban acts to the modeling? - prehaps a shift from Fashion Show to Urban Variety might be an idea in future...
However, that said, i loved it. The amount of effort everyone put in to make it happens paided out!
Although a great show, I found it wasn't a patch on last year!
The lack of a compere meant that there was hardly any audience atmosphere, my friends and I were regularly the only people making any noise!
Also there were no musical links between scenes - this added to the strange atmosphere, especially when the interval just kind of "happened".
Although all the dancers and performers were fantastic, for me there just wasn't the "wow" factor that there was last year.
@7 Id completely disagree, the compere's last year seemed under rehearsed and for me ruined the show. Also the modelling parts of the show this year felt shorter, which was gd.
The wow factor was definately there this year, fantastic show, well done everyone
where was the "wow" then?
last year - trapeze, silks, massive opening and closing scenes, catchy rnb and hiphop tunes that got the whole crowd going.
where was the wow this year?
although, obviously a big well done must go to everyone for what - undeniably - was an enjoyable performance.
"Although the homo-eroticism made it hard to refrain from shouting "Brokeback Mountain", the boys worked their bodies to perfection."
Are you trying to infer that that is a bad thing?
i.e. homosexuality is bad?
Cos that's what it seems like to me.
PS I'm offended.
You're taking the sentence out of context.
It is a “bad thing” from the view point of a girl who seems to be thinking "there are hot guys in York" for the first time, inferring that she wants to have sex/a relationship (or both) with them. The homo-eroticism implies that this wouldn't happen, so the contextualizing function of the first sentence necessitates the "although".
Fortunately it seems that the boys worked their bodies to perfection, so hopefully both straight women and homosexual men (even the easily offended from each of those categories) could take something from the performance.
Tut tut on the homophobia... *shakes head* >.>
A mixed report, but since I didn't see last year's I'm going to look forward to this one anyway tonight 
Anon#10...no, homosexuality is not a bad thing. You inferred wrong.
Calm down dear. #10 was clearly being sarcastic.
Hey, it was just to make clear.
All the boys damn sure worked their bodies to perfection!
I would have.
Everyone put a lot of effort into this year's Fusion, and it shows. However, I would recommend turning to the Nouse website/newspaper for a much more accurate review.
I agree, the Nouse review is vastly more accurate and reflects my opinions that were voiced in #7 and #9.
Thanks Garrett and anon for your input. I reviewed Fusion as I saw it and I thought it was very good. Having not seen last year's one I had nothing to compare with, so thanks anon for your insight. I disagree that differing opinions amount to a lack in accuracy as reviews are, of course, subjective. I however do agree that Nouse's is a good review but taken from a different, more negatively critical, angle. I chose to make it light-hearted and positive to reflect the feel and cause of the event.
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