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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.
yorker rules, nouse drools...
Although I don't particularly agree with this review, I think that Kirsty gave Fusion a very positive review. If anything, she played down some of the fundamental shortcomings of the production, which were organisational rather than performance-based. To criticise her review on the grounds that it is "tainted" (a particularly erroneous use of the word) and not wholeheartedly in praise of what was, at least to some extent, not a perfect show is ridiculous in the extreme. #40's post reflects a complete ignorance of the point of a review, ie. _not_ a "recommendation", and resorting to personal comments about a critic who was so nice about Fusion compared to most of the campus media is very childish. The cause of Fusion has nothing to do with the quality of the show: the subject of this review. If the show isn't good enough to go and watch, you might as well give £7 directly to charity. This isn't the case with Fusion, but the point still stands. Vanity is a vice which the reviewer is quite right to criticise and has been an acknowledged problem with Fusion from the first production.
This is all getting a bit silly now isn't it!
The arguement seems to break down into four areas.
(a) People who believe the show is above criticism and inherently good as it for a good cause
(b) People who believe the show is inherently bad because its a fashion show.-then-
(c) People who saw it and thought it was good
(d) People who saw it and thought it was bad.
I suspect that (a) & (b) have features heavily in these comments, and the normally fusion going public are left out.
In fairness to the reviewer she was very nice to them... i dont see what all the fuss is about?
Has the 'personal comments' comment been removed?
That was so nasty. For all you know the reviewer could be hot stuff! There is no need for pettiness. I agree with above, so silly!
I would like to say that Kirsty is most definatly hot stuff!
Also... come on guys get a grip and a sense of humour!
For all the backstage gossip from Fusion in Motion check out this weeks podcast at http://www.theyorker.co.uk/news/podcasts/1544
I think Kirsty should prove her 'hot stuff' status...
Anon 47, I'm going to say 'Sexy List' and leave it at that...
As official Sexy List correspondent, do you have any idea when the story will break Kirsty? I reckon I'm in with a good chance. 
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