A Truly Dynamic International Modern Dance Company
Scottish Dance Theatre is flourishing in leaps and bounds under the guidance of artistic director Janet Smith. Winner of the 2003 Critics' Circle National Dance Award for outstanding company repertoire, this is a truly dynamic international modern dance company.
The theme of Sean Feldman's Moment is how we cope in the hectic rush of our competitive rat-race world - is it possible to stop for a moment? To a consistent electronic sound track, four barefoot girls and three men singly and in couples run, chase each other and kickbox in playful manner with increasing stop/start staccato movement. As if taking part in a tribal dance to a drum beat rhythm they seem to be testing each other, some encounters appear threatening, others trusting.
In similar vein, Track by Dutch choreographer Didy Veldman looks at our emotional need to belong in society and private relationships. Out of the darkness, against a menacing score, a solo dancer is captured in the spotlight. The mood suddenly turns to jollity and fun as we observe a happy group of friends fooling around, teasing and laughing. Two giggling girls wearing red high heels pose and pout, while another girl dressed only in her underwear appears distressed, naked and isolated. Two young men meet, they collide, tentatively eyeing each other up. To the whirl of merry-go-round music, the lonely and the loved go their separate ways. Life goes on.
This imaginative double-bill shows off the youthful enthusiasm, energy, individual talent and synchronised dance skills of this innovative ensemble.
When and Where
Dance Base (Venue 22), 14-16 Grassmarket. Runs to 22 August, different times each day.Vivien Devlin, August 2004
Return to Index of 2004 Fringe Reviews.
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