May 2006
Candoco in The Journey/In Praise of Folly at Queen Elizabeth Hall
‘The Creator, Vahla tells us, has a very black sense of humour. Whether this makes the disabled into cosmic jokes I’m not sure, because the piece folds into its own chaos before any conclusion is possible. But it’s a wild ride while it lasts.’
Henri Oguike Dance Company in Mixed Bill at Queen Elizabeth Hall
‘Henri Oguike is in no danger of losing his status as one of our most musically astute choreographers.’
Henri Oguike Dance Company in Mixed Bill at Queen Elizabeth Hall
‘The real rewards of the evening came with the wonderful sympathy and alertness of communion between dance and music, and this was marvellously rewarding, both for dancers (who were alive to every note) and for an audience who could savour the vivid and vital links…
News: Les Ballets C. de la B.
Alain Platels’ starting point for his new work was the baroque music of Monteverdi & silent film of Edwardian psychiatric patients. ‘vsprs’ comes to Sadler’s Wells next week. Read mor… Continue Reading
Henri Oguike Dance Company in Mixed Bill at Queen Elizabeth Hall
‘… by the third movement, Oguike looks totally convincing as the musical and choreographic abundance that has been gathered up is scattered deliriously over the stage, the dancers linking into chains and the whole dynamic building to a gathering rush.’
Candoco in The Journey/In Praise of Folly at Queen Elizabeth Hall
‘Now in its 15th year, CandoCo is one of the British dance groups that have most influenced how we view and think about the human body.’
Candoco in The Journey/In Praise of Folly at Queen Elizabeth Hall
“Now in its 15th year, CandoCo is one of the British dance groups that have most influenced how we view and think about the human body.”
Diversions at Cardiff
‘Diversions, the flagship dance company of Wales, prides itself on commissioning international choreographers whose work is largely unknown to UK audiences. The troupe’s current tour, which ends next weekend at The Place in London, shows that such a policy…
Breakin' Convention at Sadler's Wells
‘The dominant impression of this third annual hip-hop festival, though, was far from menacing — instead, the vibe was energetic inclusiveness.’
Breakin' Convention at Sadler's Wells
‘For all the performers’ energy, however, breakdance is standing still.’
Candoco in The Journey/In Praise of Folly at Queen Elizabeth Hall
‘As CandoCo mark their 15th anniversary, the company deserve to be celebrated not only for giving huge opportunities to mixed-ability dancers, but for their determination to be judged by same standards as any other company.’
Siobhan Davies Dance Company in In Plain Clothes at Siobhan Davies Studios
‘Where Davies’ recent pieces have seemed increasingly cerebral, this hour-long rumination is taut with evocative incident, glinting with life’
Siobhan Davies Dance Company in In Plain Clothes at Siobhan Davies Studios
‘To me, its hardline puritanism spoke of a dissociation from a wider audience in favour of a private conversation with a like-minded few.’
Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker in Knot at Barbican Theatre
As with those other Colker affairs, there is minimal and predictable movement, no development or emotional force to the action (or rather, inaction), witless costuming and an exasperating accompaniment.
Siobhan Davies Dance Company in In Plain Clothes at Siobhan Davies Studios
‘Dear Sue Davies: I have watched and admired your work from the very first. Now, here you are in a ravishing place that is tribute to your gifts, to your beautiful dances, and to your grace of spirit. You have my vast gratitude and my vast affection.’