Dance-Forms’ 79th International Choreographers’ Showcase returns for its 20th edition at the Edinburgh Fringe, presenting a collection of eight contemporary dance-theatre pieces from some of the finest choreographers on the international stage and in the US. Showcases like these are crucial for fostering a network of artists and advancing the field of dance through innovation. The pieces are linked by themes exploring human nature and the environment, offering an introspective examination of both the dread and joy inherent in human existence on our planet.
Truly stunning
The program featured the following eight pieces:
Terpsichores of Wind by Jin-Wen Yu is a contemporary duet that flows like air. The dancers wear white, billowing tunics with pieces of white fabric draped over one hand and attached at the wrist. The movement evokes the effect of wind.
The Searchers by Susan B. Williams, with a special appearance by Enrique Bejarano from Birmingham Royal Ballet, is a duet that blends ballet with contemporary choreography. Set to metallic, laser-like sounds, it offers a striking mix of styles.
In Ancient Water by Karen Potter. This duet features intricate partner work and pays homage to water through its movement and costuming, including flowing blue hair and a cascading blue sash worn by the female dancer.
Accepting the Unexpected by Maria Hackbarth. This solo performance incorporates a white yoga ball, which takes on a character of its own. Lauren Seitz delivers a truly moving performance.
Your Applause Please by Elijah Motley. This engaging duet features a clever plot twist where the characters become mirrors of each other, adding a playful dynamic to the performance.
Picking by Jin-Wen Yu. A charming and enchanting duet that ingeniously incorporates the costume by gradually removing pieces of it throughout the performance.
Until Death Do Us Part by Richard Oaxaca is a partnered dance that delves into themes of ageing, memory loss, and death.
Two pieces by Anandha Ray, featuring Karen Brown and Christina Johnson, stand out. The Moment We Knew explores the stages of grief: denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and finally acceptance. The piece is emotionally raw and is brilliantly performed, with violin music that deeply tugs at the audience’s heartstrings.
The second piece, We Rise, first premiered in 2017 but continues to resonate today. The choreography is set in a world that has been ravaged, with dancers laying on the ground, taking turns expressing agony. A single woman, possibly a goddess, watches over them and appears to offer some form of aid. This piece explores the human experience of pain, suffering, and the desperate need for help. The music enhances this theme with its dystopian and apocalyptic tones, while also incorporating Eastern influences such as the flute and harp. It is truly stunning.
