Photo Credit: Pete Woodhead
(5 / 5)
I am not done with so called minimalism in London just yet. Part of the Southbank Centre’s Multitudes Festival, In C, proved to be a thrill. Taking Terry Riley’s iconic 1960’s composition, it is here laced with dance and that from Sasha Waltz.
Just over an hour, the whole beast was touching and the definition of fluidity. Diverse dancers swell together, Waltz’s stance on the belief, profound here. The London Sinfonietta players maintained tightness the overall pace. The C note is given time to breath in these phases, never a moment of discord nor shock. The development of this note is luxurious in its discoveries. These repeating motions from the musicians are a testament to muscle memory and endurance. This powdered piece is essentially Riley’ most revered stand out and that’s not a bad thing. You can easily lose yourself within it.
Waltz’ choreography has used classical music before to acclaim. It’s very human, allow me to explain what I mean. It’s the combination of coloured vests, which gradually darken with sweat, the smiles the dancers give and the unrelenting flow that makes up, this so uniting. So many connections are made: some appear to handle heart break, others suggest the glimpses of friendship. Each dancers easily go off on their own venture, prayer signs and soft balletic postures…often returning to a semblance of gathering. An infectious conga line appeared to form in one instance catching others into its fold, only then to disassemble at just as quick. Each dancers brought clear insight and energy, the head turned a few times, adding with their little adventures into the auditorium. Quite literary dancing in the aisles.
This might just be one of the most lovely combinations of dance and music. A broad colour palette evoked Rothko and Klee, a large screen haunting the space. This is also proof how good a venue the Queen Elizabeth Hall is for dance, I’ve seen work before but this defined it. Wonderous flights seem to take over the troupe as if they might just have floated off. I was quite moved, again its just so achingly human. I might just try out some of these flurrying moves at home…