Performance – Chisenhale Dance Space

Attending the Creative Re Work’s first sharing for Performance Skills Level 1 was a delightful experience, featuring three distinct contemporary dance performances and a chance to meet the creative team afterward. The evening was filled with great energy, expertly hosted, and infused with palpable excitement and a touch of endearing nervousness from the performers.

The first performance, “Everything Falls Apart,” was danced by Sarah Santos, with choreography by Bety Puchol Cahal and music by Jon Alexander. This solo piece explored the theme of losing a loved one and was both beautifully crafted and danced. Sarah’s movements were natural and soft, perfectly complementing the quiet, acoustic music. Her dynamic shifts in space and mesmerizing, well-articulated arm movements captivated the audience. Her facial expressions were deeply connected to the piece, enhancing the emotional depth of her performance. Watching Sarah dance was a truly moving experience.

The second piece, “Overwhelmed,” was performed by the Parakeet Dance Collective, comprising Lesley, Bety, Kate, Nina, and Gaivė, all learners from the Level 1 Performance Skills course. This piece delved into the dancers’ individual experiences of feeling overwhelmed, as well as a collective narration of this emotion. The group showcased dynamic unity while highlighting their unique characteristics. The music, a blend of recorded speech and lyrical melodies, added depth to the performance. The dancers’ synchronization and individual flair created a compelling portrayal of the overwhelming experiences they depicted.  They look forward to developing this piece for the Level 2 course starting in a few weeks time.

The final performance “In Nature We Move” featured the largest group of the Performance Skills Level 1 cohort, a group of eleven dancers- Nicol Archontides, Rachel Elderkin, Jamie Gibson, Rosa Luna Ricapa, Sofia Pomeroy, Melissa Rayne, Sarah Santos, Melanie Whitehead-Smith, Tom Van Day, Valentina Vidal, Zuzanna Wasiak. Choreographed by Deborah Ward and Jenny Hayes. This piece quickly became one of my favorites of the evening. The choreography was exceptionally well-crafted, with the group moving seamlessly together. The choreographer wisely broke down the group into duets, quartets, and other formations, showcasing each dancer’s expressive abilities. Despite only being together for six weeks, the group’s cohesion and expressiveness were impressive, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

After the performances, there was an opportunity to meet the performers, choreographers, and the creative team. This interaction added a personal touch to the evening, leaving me eagerly anticipating what the Performance Skills Level 2 sharing will bring.

By Sam Vaherlehto

Level 2 Performance Skills Tutor