Held at Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, Dance Base, I was expecting a thoroughly engaging performance that would push the boundaries of conventional dance styles. Unfortunately I was not prepared for what I was about to see!
The only boundary that is pushed is one’s ability to endure such horrendously loud, ear piercing music, which grew increasingly grating as the show went on. Having an open mind about dance and the scope of styles will definitely stand you in good stead if you choose to indulge in this show, as Polish choreographer Ramona Nagabczynski presents an interesting display of power and strength; however, there was not enough in this piece to hold my attention.
Displaying the dynamics of the body and bodily reactions, the show opens with the three performers jerking their bodies to music and it pretty much ends in a similar fashion. After what seemed to be an eternity of jolting to the beat, the performers collapse onto the floor, breathing heavily and dripping with sweat, making for quite an awkward audience experience. The dreaded music begins again and the performers continue this anarchic sequence of rising and falling.
Although there are moments that exhibit the exuberant performers’ impressive flexibility and endurance, overall they failed to impress or entertain. Claiming that this piece is about alternative culture and individuality is certainly true however, stating it is about dance is highly debatable. If you want to leave the theatre indefinitely bemused by the medium of dance then this may be the show for you, those looking for a compelling, entertaining dance performance should look elsewhere.
