“Spectacle of Ritual” by choreographer Marcella Lewis was part of Dance at the Odyssey’s winter festival on the evening of January 31, 2026. I was fortunate to be there and to witness this dance of revelation.
As you enter the black box space, four female dancers are posed in a prayerful beseeching position as if awaiting enlightenment. They remain focused with little motion for what feels like several minutes until they begin to move with slow supplication through space. Initially these long holds and slo-mo moves hovered on the edge of monotony but as the piece developed this approach drew us into the rarified world of sisterhood.
Emara Vonaé Neymour Jackson, Marirosa Crawford, Jayde Elise Woodard and Hannah Robertson “Spectacle of Ritual” choreography by Marcella Lewis – Photo by Maya Guice.
Lewis has been working on segments of this piece incrementally for three years but ironically, put this full performance together in just a week’s time. Still the depth of the work reflects her attention to her subject. She states, “Faith and the desire for truth drive the mystery of ritual, we bridge ourselves to feel the Divine.” This quote might seem esoteric but in her capable hands we feel her intention.
Each section was set up with the aim of showing different aspects of the power of friendship and support among women. Here you can be hurt, needy, sexy, trapped or lost and your sisters will be there. Shown through carefully chosen movement the emotions were clear. Lewis uses jazz, modern and emotive techniques to construct clear pathways for her dancers to explore. Though much of the choreography was slow and deliberate bursts of pure energy added the needed edge crucial to keeping our attention.
Emara Vonaé Neymour Jackson, Marirosa Crawford, Jayde Elise Woodard and Hannah Robertson “Spectacle of Ritual” choreography by Marcella Lewis – Photo by Maya Guice.
Being present with and for each other as women is the message that Lewis imbues into her choreography and therefore into her dancers. The relief of pain and stress as each performer is laid down by the other, prayerful meditation morphing into mindful walking, tribal jazz, accelerated breathing, a return to prayer and back to jazz with an amusing edge keeps us in thrall of the dance while never losing the message. The focus on the need for human touch gives rise to poignant moments when the dancers must lean into each other to stay upright. With so much movement on display, it would be easy to forget the intent but Lewis is too focused for that and we are always aware that this is about women holding up women.
The music is a compilation of tracks thoughtfully put together by Lewis. However, as the piece continues to develop a recurring theme or melodic hook would add emotional power.
Emara Vonaé Neymour Jackson, Marirosa Crawford, Jayde Elise Woodard and Hannah Robertson “Spectacle of Ritual” choreography by Marcella Lewis – Photo by Maya Guice.
Overall, this was a compelling night of dance, persuasive, beautifully performed and emotionally moving. Slight edits to concentrate the message and as mentioned above the addition of a musical motif are small adjustments that might elevate this piece to yet a higher plane. I truly hope that Lewis continues on her choreographic path as she has something to say. If the opportunity comes your way, make a point of seeing Marcella Lewis and her dancers, it will be worth your time.
The beautiful and expressive performers were Emara Vonaé Neymour Jackson, Marirosa Crawford, Jayde Elise Woodard and Hannah Robertson.
As always thanks to “Dance at the Odyssey” for once again hosting this thoughtfully curated program.
Dance at the Odyssey winter festival continues through February 15, 2026. For more information please visit the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble’s website.
Written by Tam Warner for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image:Emara Vonaé Neymour Jackson, Marirosa Crawford, Jayde Elise Woodard and Hannah Robertson “Spectacle of Ritual” choreography by Marcella Lewis – Photo by Maya Guice.
