The dancers attack every step, never faltering or fading
It can be hard to explain to someone who has not yet come across it what contemporary dance actually is. Ballet, tap, jazz, street dance; all conjure up recognisable images, yet by its very nature, contemporary dance is difficult to neatly summarise, writes Melina Block.
However, a new piece by preeminent choreographer, Hofesh Shechter, feels like a pretty good representation of the style’s stereotypical features. Breathy, weighty movements? Check. Moody, uber-cool lighting and music? Check. Baggy costumes that billow around the dancer’s lithe limbs? Check.
In the Brain, a full-length piece developed from a shorter work originally produced by Martha Graham Dance Company, is, admittedly, nothing groundbreaking. But for a choreographer of Shechter’s status, even a work that just meets his high standard rather than pushing any boundaries is going to be impressive. Performed by Shechter II, a company of the world’s brightest young dance talent, this is a celebration of the collective power and energy of rave, nightlife, and movement.
The dancers are outstanding. They attack every step, never faltering or fading. It’s not all go-go-go—but when it is, the dancers really do go for it—there are moments of suspense, where the music and dancers take a breather, slowing the pace with controlled tension before revving back up again. The shape and quality of their unison movements are remarkably amoeba-like; when they first appear on the stage, their fluid leg and arm extensions look like a slippery group of cells under a telescope.
The lighting and pulsing music effectively conjure up the primal energy uniquely found on sweaty dance floors at 3am. The raw atmosphere of nightlife has been a popular source of inspiration for all kinds of art recently, adding to the sense that In the Brain is more a demonstration of ability than innovative creativity. But when the ability on display is this high, that’s hardly a major complaint.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre until 25h July.
Tickets: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/hofesh-shechter-in-the-brain/book/
After performances in Belgium, the troupe are back in London at the Arts Depot, North Finchley, N12 0GA in September.
Booking: https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/event/shechter-ii-in-the-brain/
