Sydney Dance Company
Choreography by
Gabrielle Nankivell, Rafael Bonachela and Melanie Lane
Canberra Theatre to 4
May
Reviewed by Len Power
3 May 2019
Celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year,
Sydney Dance Company presented three startling and enjoyable works at the
Canberra Theatre under the title ‘Bonachela/Nankivell/Lane’. An opportunity to view and compare the work
of three very different choreographers at the top of their game made for an
exciting evening of dance.
 |
| 'Neon Aether' - photo by Pedro Greig |
Choreographer, Gabrielle Nankivell, describes ‘Neon Aether’,
the first work presented, as ‘an ode to the burning intangibles that fuel our
imagination’. Danced to a driving music
score by Luke Smiles, this is a work that seems part science fiction and part
memory, filled with dreams and longings for something just out of reach. The precise dancing of the eight performers was
breath-taking and there were some quite magical and memorable moments. The clever lighting design by Damien Cooper
added tremendously to the atmosphere of this work.
 |
| 'Cinco' - photo by Don Arnold |
The clue to the second work presented, ‘Cinco’, is in the
title. Choreographed by Rafael
Bonachela, the number ‘five’ is basic to the structure of the work. Using five dancers and dancing to Alberto
Ginastera’s five part ’String Quartet No. 2 Op. 26’, the dancers move within
the imaginary constraints of a pentagon.
Although mathematically-based, it’s still romantic, wistful and
dream-like and performed superbly.
Bianca Spender’s costumes were quite beautiful and complemented the intention
of the work.
 |
| 'Woof' - photo by Pedro Greig |
While the first two works presented were new, the third
work, ‘Woof’, was first seen in the company’s ‘New Breed’ season in 2017. Choreographed by Melanie Lane with twelve
dancers, it’s a work set in an imagined future in which the participants create
a new culture through movement. Memories
of the past still linger in this new environment and the human spirit continues
to shine through in spite of the changes that are occurring. The music composed for the work by Clark with
its classical and modern elements suited the work’s intention very well. Verity Hampson’s lighting design adds an
exciting dimension to the production and the dancing was masterful.
This was a striking evening of fine dance with three works
that were visually and emotionally satisfying as well as entertaining.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.
