 |
| A moment from "The Bigger Picture" by Danielle Micich. |
QL2 Dance
Canberra Playhouse
July 30 – Aug. 2
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
“Boundless”
breaks a Quantum Leap tradition, in that the central theme of boundlessness is
explored by three separate choreographers, in a program of three related, but
contrasting short works. The result is a highly entertaining and impeccably
produced evening of dance, an extraordinary showcase for the 44 participating
Quantum Leap dancers, and a fascinating insight into the work of three emerging
choreographers, of whom Dean Cross and James Batchelor are QL2 alma mater.
As he observed
in his speech at the first night post-performance reception, it is rare for a
choreographer to have access to so many dancers on which to mount a work. Cross
took full advantage of this opportunity by augmenting his already large cast of
young dancers with eight over-55 year-old dancers from the GOLD group, to
create a serenely reflective and ultimately joyful work called “Samsara”.
 |
| "Samsara" by Dean Cross |
 |
| A moment from "Samsara" |
Based on the
Buddhist concept of the cycle of life, “Samsara” was performed to a luscious
soundscape composed by Adam Ventoura, against atmospheric video projections by
WildBear Entertainment, in which circles were a recurring theme. Circles
feature prominently in the choreography, especially in the mesmerising
procession which climaxed the work, featuring bodies being rolled across the
stage. The work contains many poignant
and amusing moments which touchingly and tastefully contrast the cycle from
youth to old age. The graceful costumes designed by Kirsty Scholtz utilising
subdued colour and texture are particularly noteworthy. Although conceived as an ensemble work
“Samsara” also featured several short solos of which a difficult and
spectacularly danced solo for Ryan Stone was a stand-out.
 |
| "Samsara" by Dean Cross |
For
“Cinders”, James Batchelor focussed on just four boys and four girls to create
a strikingly mature work, which has already been performed in the Youth Dance
Festival in Renmark, as well as in Bangkok, and at the Commonwealth Youth Dance
Festival in Glasgow.
Using building
blocks as a symbol, the first section of “Cinders” involves a series of highly
complex machine-like unison manoeuvres performed in Victoria Worley’s one-piece
boiler-suit style costumes. As these costumes are peeled away for the second
section, the movement becomes broader and less restricted as the dancers
explore and embrace their individuality. Morgan Hickinbotham’s electronic
soundscape and WildBears’ highly imaginative video background perfectly
compliment Batchelor’s powerful work, performed with great commitment and skill
by the eight dancers.
 |
| "Cinders" by James Batchelor |
