Rhapsody

At last!  A chance to go and see some dance and some good dance as well!  This week I went to see Dansk Danseteater perform two pieces, ‘Rocking’, with choreography by Kim Brandstrup and ‘Rhapsody’, a Tim Rushton piece. 

‘Rocking’ was a series of 6 duets.  The programme notes (which I read after) said that the themes revolved around the feeling of being rocked like a baby as well as the need to set ourselves free.  Looking back, this completely makes sense.  Dancers fell back and were caught, supported each other, broke away.  It was a very lyrical piece and a good opener.

‘Rhapsody’ was a contrast, and a good one too.  I really enjoyed this, abstract and interesting piece.  I always enjoy it when the dancers form patterns and shapes that form and break apart.  The music (John Adams ‘Shaker Loops’) was, I confess, a big contributor to the joyous feel of the piece.  I was not totally convinced by the costumes, sort of Egyptian tunics for both the men and the women, and while the choreography for the most part was interesting, there were a couple of passages where the music was being interpreted a bit too literally (a sort of wobbling movement in time to the music for example).

The dancers were all in excellent form, with, for me, some new faces.  Interesting that only one of the company is actually Danish!  Tim Rushton always comes across as such a nice person – warm and modest about his accomplishments.  Dansk Danseteater is a good company which should be supported.

Next blog will be another book review. Below is a picture from 'Rhapsody'.