A true story of friendship told with an eclectic blend of folk, flamenco and contemporary dance. In a time of divide and political strife; this story showcases the power of sharing cultures, the joy of new meetings and the celebration of old friends.
A poignant story about the ties that bind us
We begin at the kitchen table, three friends reminiscing about the beginnings of friendship, in rural Yorkshire. All three begin to dance, in a flurry of movement, which seems effortless. Each dancer exudes passion and joy as they reel through a medley of dance styles and rhythms. The audience is immediately drawn in by their honesty, candour and moving accounts, both through dance and speech, of how their lives have intertwined.
Tales of laughter and new experiences transition into the comfort found during times of loss. Jen Wren performs a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne as Charlotte Matthiessen and Leticia Cabezudo dance beside. This wonderfully choreographed piece evolves from the shock and devastation of loss, through mourning and finally to the support they gave each other to carry on.
Punctuated with breaks to have a sip of wine at the table; this show balances performance and informal storytelling perfectly. The audience is left reeling after a whirlwind of ceildhs, motherhood and everything in between. Wren, with contributions from Cabezudo and Matthiessen, has created a tightly woven and deeply personal series of dances, which are truly touching. The conscious move away from staged dances and the distance between audience and performer is a refreshing change. To be moved by dance is the goal but to be involved in the dialogue of the dance is a rare treat.
Slanjayvah Danza tells a poignant story about the ties that bind us and the fantastic outcome of shared cultures. A beautiful blend of Scotland and Spain, this show is not to be missed.
