| A mesmerising display of technical skill and superb choreography |
5th anniversary triple bill |
| National Dance Company Wales , Wales Millennium Centre , November 7, 2009 |
Sequins, swing and boys in socks and high heels – National Dance Company Wales took to the stage in spectacular style last night (Tuesday) as part of the fifth anniversary celebrations of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.Moving effortlessly from the traditional fluidity of the opening piece, Hinterland, to the futuristic techno-beat of Veil of Stars, the Cardiff-based dancers gave a brilliant first performance back in the city after their successful tour of China. In a mesmerising display of technical skill and superb choreography, the company performed three half-hour dances: Hinterland, Veil of Stars and Lunatic. Veil of Stars was the stand-out performance of the night, 28 minutes of sheer energy balanced by the fluid control of the dancers. It began with a solitary sequinned dancer emerging from a smoke-filled corner but grew in pace and excitement until electro-music pounded out like a heartbeat and the entire company danced together in elegant, deliberately designed chaos. Choreographer Andonis Foniadakis used masks and theatricality to look at evolution and identity, culminating in a wonderful set piece in which a dancer seemingly flew through the air. Lunatic was an exciting burst of contrasting images, with choreographer Nigel Charnock overlaying post-war optimism with darker themes of madness and confused sexuality. Dressed in old-fashioned pyjamas, the six dancers opened to a 1950s swing number but then unnerved the audience by abandoning the stage and dancing in the auditorium, ruffling hair and demanding of people “are you a man?” Charnock extended this challenge to his costumes, at one point dressing the men in socks, garters and high heels, while women danced as men and vice versa. Not all his contrasts were successful – giving dancers a voice was innovative but the discordant words sometimes threatened to overshadow the dance itself. But transforming war-inspired union flags from flying banners into shrouds and blending modern and swing music were brilliant touches. By contrast, Hinterland was a muted affair, but its beautiful colours, fluid movement and Welsh-inspired music made a gentle introduction to the fast-paced challenges of the rest. Exciting and unafraid to challenge, last night’s performance showed artistic director Ann Sholem was right – the National Dance Company Wales should be happy to be home. |
Reviewed by: Fiona Roberts |
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