Dr. Phillips dance company blends classical dance, modern illusion

By Zak Kerr
| 12:16 a.m. May 14, 2015

Southwest Orange
Neighborhood

DR. PHILLIPS — About 10 years ago, Glynn Owens was working at an area mall kiosk during the holiday season, wearing some special lights used to brighten the season and add cheer.

He and his co-workers were using a particular effect with these lights, until all of the customers had left for closing time and Owens and his colleagues had begun packing up.

“I was a dance student at Valencia State College and was going through steps, just to make sure I was remembering them,” Owens said. “I forgot I had these lights on me and started dancing. The lights turned on and it suddenly hit me: I thought, ‘What if we tried something completely different? Instead of a traditional magic show where one magician does all of the tricks and then you have assistants who do maybe a few combinations and move some props, how cool would it be to move the concept from a shroud of mystery around one person and we made the company do the effects?’ It was just really a new take on a paradigm that is traditional of one person doing the effects.”

In the next two weeks, that idea will come to life on stage, as Owens’ 2nd Sight Dance Company, headquartered in Dr. Phillips, makes its performance debut at the Orlando Fringe Festival.

Owens, who teaches at Orlando Ballet School, is the founder and artistic director of the company, a concept 10 years in the making that finally emerged from the idea phase toward physical fruition in December while Owens was teaching, he said.

“I was teaching an adult class at Orlando Ballet School, and I told some of the students an idea for a dance company unique to being centered on classical dance, and that could also showcase some other things I enjoy in life, which is magic and illusion,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about pieces in the past, and I have incorporated those elements.”

Then Kimberly Moy, now the marketing manager for 2nd Sight Dance Company, recommended the company do something for the Orlando Fringe Festival.

“I had considered it but finally said, ‘You know what? I’m going to do it,’” Owens said. “I submitted my application and have been getting at it ever since.”

This has led to a performance called “Shadows and Light” that this company will perform on four occasions, already rated one of the top five new shows to see at the festival.

“Shadows and Light” will involve an original act combining contemporary ballet with elements of surprise for something different from a normal magic show or dance recital, Owens said.

“You’ll also see effects that aren’t necessarily hard to see how they’re done, but the point isn’t to fool or trick people but show how an effect can give a deeper meaning to an audience,” he said. “For example, there are pieces with dancers wrapped in a straight jacket or aluminum, and they do the act blindfolded. There is a segment with a volunteer from the audience for an escape with a girl in a tango outfit as a lighthearted piece. You’re going to see pieces that are really serious and impactful to pieces that are lighthearted and fun.”

This show will thus be a fitting first foray for 2nd Sight Dance Company, which has a mission to offer fresh perspectives on classical dance and challenge and inspire audiences through dance, magic and illusion, Owens said.

To Owens, Dr. Phillips is an ideal location to fulfill this mission, because the Orlando Ballet School is close and many members of his cast have been working at theme parks, so talent is often a stone’s throw away. The rest of the cast is composed of past dancers looking to get back into that art.

The cast is excited to have fun, especially when it comes to involving the audience in the fun and a few secrets Owens cannot reveal, like any good magician.

“When they go to a dance concert, people often just sit and watch, but we get people involved in it instead of just watching the show,” he said. “We only have four shows, so it’s going to be important that people get their tickets to come see it.”

Owens recommends arriving early to get a good seat and because of a policy against late admittance. “Shadows and Light” lasts 50 minutes and is recommended for ages 7 and older, with a $9 Fringe Button required for all patrons older than 13.

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