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DOUBLE TAKE

 
Mark Harding Review by Mark Harding 3 Published: 10 Aug 2025 Assembly @ Dance Base Show Dates: 5 Aug 2025-10 Aug 2025

Dance Base’s in-house companies cover each end of the age spectrum: LYDC takes dancers aged 14 to 21, giving them the opportunity to work with professionals, while PRIME features dancers aged 60 and over, with one aim being to challenge age stereotypes in dance. The four pieces in the show have been developed with professional choreographers.

A double-take on our expectations

LYDC opens with Disconnect by Abby Warrilow, which builds from a soloist to a synchronised army of dancers before breaking into small groups and individuals. Do:Not by Marc Brew features dancers mirroring rapid routines while performers recite the emotional demands Gen Z must navigate, concluding with tight formations of electric dance. These pieces showcase the young performers’ energy, fluidity, confidence and self-possession.

PRIME’s pieces use physical theatre to highlight individual personalities within a framework of strong group camaraderie. Ten by Robbie Synge comedically celebrates the company’s 10th anniversary, combining dance, singing, speech – and the group’s solution to an unexpected problem.

The show uses clever lighting design to emphasise different groups of dancers. This is particularly effective in On The One, by Tony Mills, where a “box of light” is created to showcase solos, or where the group uses the lighting to create surreal animated shapes or architectural patterns with arms and hands.

On The One finishes with up-tempo, propulsive music driving a fast-paced synchronised dance finale.

The punning title Double Take is extremely fitting – the show prompts a double-take on our expectations of youth companies and of the over-60s.

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The Blurb:

Dance Base's in-house companies showcase new work in a double-bill. Youth company LYDC will present work by Marc Brew and Disconnect by Abby Warrilow. Now in its 10th anniversary year, over 60s company PRIME will showcase commissions by Tony Mills, Robbie Synge and Steinvör Palsson.