Set in a surreal environment, the dances by NZ School of Dance, ‘On the Other Hand,’ have dramatic visual impact and clever use of space including recognisable household objects with surprising twists…
The theatre at Te Whaea in Wellington was packed with an eager audience on Friday 18 May for opening night of the New Zealand School of Dance’s choreographic season ‘On the other hand’. The ten dances flowed into each other easily, distinguishable by each choreographer’s theme and movement.
“It is dance that portrays intention and emotion as well as inventive movement,” explains artistic coordinator of the show, Victoria Colombus.
“This is a highly talented and motivated group of dancers that have been inspired to create something unique. Each of the dance works relates to influences or personal experiences that are significant at this point in their lives” adds Victoria. “‘On the Other Hand’ will resonate, it will surprise and move the audience.”
Left: Samantha Hines in New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season 2012, photographed by Stephen A’Court.
Below: Andrew Miller in New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season 2012, photographed by Stephen A’Court.
Some humorous narration and playful dances created a light overlay to some pretty serious subject matter, including power plays in relationships, mind-numbing attraction to media, and the boundaries between reality and imagination.
A sparsely-populated stage was utilised to create interest using different space and disappearing acts into a seemingly magic cupboard. Each choreographer’s choice of music generated a dramatic background for the dancers to play up to.
The costumes varied for each dancer, providing interest and movement without taking focus from the dancers and their amazing skills. One thing I did note was the dancers’ lack of shoes and knee pads, which were a staple if you were throwing yourself around so much when I did dance growing up.
There was serious dedication to the moves and characters that sometimes were a little unnerving through their exploration of the mind. Some of the dances made nature seem so very unnatural, and created thought-provoking statements without speaking a single word.
On the other hand runs from 18–26 May at Te Whaea, and is definitely worth viewing if you are around Wellington over the next week.
Event listing details:
New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season 2012 ON THE OTHER HAND: Ten new works of expressive dance
18 – 26 May 2012 Te Whaea Theatre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington
Book tickets at the venue or online at www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz phone 04 381 9254
By Hazel Penfold, 21 May 2012
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