CircusLondonReview

ISH Dance Collective: Elements of Freestyle – Peacock Theatre, London

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Director: Marco Gerris

ISH dance collective are here to blow your mind and show you their amazingly talented freestyle skills via multiple mediums on stage.

Director Marco Gerris maximises each of the cast’s talents, giving them all ample opportunity to have their own moment in the spotlight and shine. The contrasts he uses throughout the performance are thematically brilliant. Whether it’s the opposing routines between the dancers vs the skaters or the combination of classical pieces on the cello and violin vs the modern dubstep beats over the speaker, Gerris uses juxtaposition as a focal point throughout. But the differing themes never create a clash; instead they work together in harmony, in perfectly imperfect synchronization.

The ever-moving, ever-transforming stage, designed by Jerry Beckers, is used throughout to complement each performer. Re-shaping from a series of ramps for skateboarder Pim Wouters, to a parkour style playground for freerunners Luis Alkmim and Bart van den Linden, the set transformations are just as mesmerising as the performance itself.

Dez Maarsen wows the audience with his impeccable BMX skills, executing tricks that seem impossible for even seasoned pros to replicate as gracefully as he does. Sven Boekhorst and Jelle Briggeman are the two inline skaters, who defy gravity with their routine, soaring through the air and mirroring each other’s movements. Michael van Beek is a freestyle basketballer, juggling, spinning and balancing basketballs throughout the show, controlling the pace of the other performers and transitioning into the next portion of the performance.

While everyone is expecting to be amazed by the fantastic cast, nobody is prepared to be speechless from duelling musicians Annie Tangberg (Cello) and Vera van der Bie (violin). Their composition is immaculate. masters of their craft, they keep the whole performance alight with high energy and beautifully played melodies. Breakdancers Dietrich Pott, Thomas Krikken and Arnold Put are rhythmic royalty using the incredible soundtrack to embellish every element of their routine.

Prepare to be amazed, prepare to be enthralled and prepare to never look at your bike or skates the same way again!

Runs until 23 April 2022

The Reviews Hub Score

Perfectly imperfect synchronization

Show More
Photo of The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub London is under the editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

Related Articles

Back to top button
The Reviews Hub