NDT in Move to Move

here's my Sydney Arts Guide  thoughts  ...
http://www.sydneyartsguide.com/View-Review.asp?ReviewID=1223

Netherland Dance Theatre's MOVE TO MOVE This is an extraordinary recording of the Nederlands Dance Theatre in their home theatre the Lucent Theatre in Den Hag of four short works. For dance affecionados this is a must see as NDT, revered in the dance world, so rarely tour to Australia. NDT1 is the main company of 30 dancers, established in 1959, currently with English choreographer Paul Lightfoot as artistic director .NDT11 was formed in 1978 and is made up of younger dancers and usually features newer choreographers. Here we see and get a feel for both companies, with an interview with Lightfoot and Sol Leon during the ’interval’, and the works are introduced by a dancer in the cast. There are four works in the programme and we see the audience arrive as well as dancers limbering up before the performance, the lighting and tech people and follow a dancer into the wings . The photography is intimate and revealing and great use of closeup is made where appropriate. The works transfer marvellously from the stage to screen .We see the dancers breathtaking technical ability and their fluid flexibility. Technically the dancing is sublime and the dancers revel in the challenge of the different styles. The works are:- ‘Left Right Left’. Choreographed by Alexander Ekman, associate choreographer of NDT11, it opens with the dancers in sculptural Anthony Gormley like poses of waiting. It examines human movement from a rhythmic, timing (counts) and intense concentration perspective and there is spectacular lighting . A woman in an elegant red dress parades carefully and slowly across the stage mysteriously ‘framing’ the performance. Humourous snippets of voiceovers are included from interviews of audience members commenting on the performance and also form cast members (from this we learn the woman in red was injured during rehearsals). Synchronised robotic movements and breath control are extremely important. In a synchronised treadmill section, where weight, balance and control are very important the dancers seem to ‘fly’ . A funny sequence is included where the dancers have been filmed performing choreographic phrases from the work outdoors, and the odd public reactions. For me the least successful work was ‘Secus’ , choreographed by Ohad Naharin , seconded from the Batsheva Dance Company .This was originally part of a three piece work  ( ‘Ballet Three’) for NDT1. Pure abstract dance, for me there was no interaction at all with the audience .It was disjointed and fragmented and didn’t really ‘go anywhere’ .And the blaring start and jarring electronic soundscore was quite offputting.There appeared to be some Cunningham and /or Forsythe influence – a use of intense stillness contrasted with sudden explosive movements and wonderful soft jumps. Small repeated phrases of movement , falls and some amazing male pas de deux are featured. The finale had a modelling catwalk feel to it. The dancers absolutely love it and threw themselves into the work with massive enthusiasm. Then came ‘Silent Screen’, which used cinematic techniques and a triptych of huge screens, with the haunting, reflective music of Phillip Glass.  There are references to the world of silent movies, but the way I ‘read’ it was that it was a couple’s anguish at the loss of their child. It is quite Surrealist in parts with turbulent clouds in the background and at one point a beach that segues to a snowy forest – images that the dancers step out of. Much use is very effectively made of silhouette. It is magical and lyrical, the choreographing demanding a long flowing ‘line’. The dancers have to be almost boneless, incredibly flexible and have a feline sinuous presence.  There are some dramatic solos and ravishing pas de deux. 'Shine a Light ‘choreographed by Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon for NDT1 is mostly about children’s nightmares but also delves into the male psyche. This is a mesmerizing, powerful, very moving work at times chilling, sometimes dreamlike. There is billowing dry ice and a terrifying brutal militaristic feel in parts, contrasted with strange, haunting Butoh like sections of a girl in a blue and white sort of eighteenth century style dress and a robotic, mysterious, mermaid- like strange figure in high white boots and long hair that obscures the face.  Some of the choreography is reminiscent of that of Matthew Bourne. Nederlands Dans Theater’s production of MOVE TO MOVE, presented by Sharmill Films and Pathe Live, with a running time of 178 minutes, is playing at the Dendy Opera Quays, Chauvel, Event Bondi Junction and Hayden Orpheum Cremorne cinemas. © Lynne Lancaster 11th September, 2012 Tags: Sydney Movie Reviews- MOVE TO MOVE, Netherlands  Dance Theatre, Dance On Film, Sharmill Films,  Dendy Opera Quays, Chauvel Cinema, Event Cinema Bondi Junction, Hayden Orpheum Cremorne, Sydney Arts Guide, Lynne Lancaster

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