QL2 Dance
Gorman Arts Centre to
17 December
Reviewed by Len Power
16 December 2016
QL2 Dance’s ‘On Course’, a choreographic project for senior
Quantum Leap ensemble members, is now in its 10th year. This initiative brings back Quantum Leap
alumni during their full time study at universities and also welcomes other
tertiary dance students from across Australia.
This year, artists from the Western Australia Academy of
Performing Arts (WAAPA), the Victorian College Of The Arts (VCA), the Adelaide
College Of the Arts (AC Arts) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW)
participated with current Quantum Leapers dancing and collaborating alongside
the tertiary students.
Nine works were performed and all displayed a high level of
imagination and originality in the choreography as well as a display of fine
dancing. The most successful works were
those that created a theatrical impact to communicate the theme to the
audience. In some cases this was
achieved purely through dance and in others with particular use of lighting,
sound, film and props.
With our different backgrounds and life experiences, each
audience member will respond differently to each of the works. While I enjoyed the whole program, for me the
following items were the most satisfying and appealing.
‘Permeating Modalities’ by Luke Fryer was a clever combination
of film and live performance. Interacting
with the film, the live dancers added a startling dimension to this work.
‘The Body Series’ by Oonagh Slater was a visually exciting
work danced by the choreographer herself.
With thoughtful use of lighting and props, she created a pleasing
atmosphere that seemed almost like a series of still-life photographs.
‘Take a right, then go round the bend’ by Samuel Hammat was
a work about self-discovery and the influence of others. His choreography had a distinctive and
enjoyable flow from one moment to the next and his group of dancers performed it
very well.
‘Solus’ by Ryan Douglas Stone was a unique work performed alone
by the choreographer. Highly imaginative
and atmospheric throughout, the sequence where he danced with his own shadow
was particularly delightful.
‘great woman wolf woman bone woman’ by Alana Stenning was a
dramatic work involving clever use of lighting.
Danced solo by the choreographer, she successfully showed various facets
of femininity in a highly exciting performance.
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 'Artcenera' program from 9.00am on Saturdays and also in other selected Artsound FM programs.