Composers: Perfume Genius, Pēteris Vasks and and Mason Bates
Choreographer: Andrew McNicol
Modern Ballet is a physical conversation; dance having a universal connection with its audience. Devotions is a trilogy of dance pieces that push the boundaries of traditional ballet whilst being rooted in style and form.
Rivalling his contemporary Matthew Bourne, McNicol’s latest offering is work of real promise. Using pleasing patterns and formations by placing the dancers at the heart of his stories, this ardently focused and disciplined troupe are drilled like a well-oiled machine. This is the companies second experimental work to be tested out in Hull and one is excited about the future of this Hull born creative. The skilled artistry of the work, clearly inspired by both Graham and Cunningham techniques is effortless and engaging – a real breath of fresh air. Seldom seen on a Friday evening in Hull, and with Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet coming to the New Theatre in July, the work here is just as skilful, just as playful, just as polished.
Using traditional and contemporary choreographic conventions, this collection of McNicol’s latest works show real merit. A showcase of three set pieces which really are a joy. The dancers concave and convex their bodies to create interesting lines and through-movement. As ensemble players with clear storytelling and skill, they utilise stillness, cannon and motif to create a thing of beauty. The clear collaboration of the production team make choices which highlight a passionate and dedicated performance from the whole team. McNicol certainly has a bright future ahead of him and long may the work continue to question and inspire.
One would like to see now from this talented company of nine, a fully cohesive program inspired, perhaps, by a stimuli or theme. The set pieces gel together beautifully and are wonderfully experimental as stand alone works but linking these stories through an interwoven plot or tale would surely reach a wider demographic.
It was clear that the small but appreciative audience really commended this new work, and one could only concur. Bravo.
Runs until 24th June.
