Choreographer: Romain Rachline Borgeaud
France’s Got Talent finalists RB Dance Company fuse urban jazz, tap and percussion in their performances, with Stories focusing mainly on tap, executing a mesmerising display of movement that captivates the audience for the 75-minute runtime.
Romain Rachline Borgeaud’s loose narrative revolves around successful actor Icarus, thrust into the spotlight and status rising fast, his talent keeps the work flowing. But although in the public eye, he appears in charge, behind the scenes, his director holds all of the power, pulling strings and keeping Icarus indebted to him indefinitely. The rise and fall of celebrity culture, power imbalances and the things people do for success are all briefly explored, and though there are moments where some of the more specific narrative points get slightly lost, it doesn’t dampen the experience or affect the overall enjoyment of the show.
The choreography is expertly done, and the sublime synchronicity of the 10 on-stage dancers hypnotic in nature. The cast is not attached to any specific character, instead, each of them performs various roles throughout the run. There is rarely a moment of calm, with most of the routine featuring the majority of the 10 on stage at any given point. Highly physical, the energy and passion are impressive, never missing a step, keeping the up-tempo pacing flowing from beginning to end. The tap dancing is traditionally done, with elements of 1940s noir woven into the production, with the set (Federica Mugnai), lighting (Alex Hardellet) and music (Borgeaud) also contributing in giving it a modern spin, which really helps to elevate and strengthen the overall show.
The constantly moving scenography seamlessly transforms the stage into recognisable locations such as a hotel, bar or subway station with minimal signifiers, establishing each new place with simple yet successful embellishments through costume and design. Two large staircases are central to the set design, frequently moving along with the dancers and assisting in creating some impactfully tense moments in the performance. The lighting utilises shadow impeccably – stark spotlights illuminate the dancers against the dark, smoky backdrop, evoking a brilliantly seductive, suspenseful atmosphere that further feeds into the 1940s noir aesthetic.
Sultry yet energetic, traditional yet modern, RB Dance Company have created a wonderfully nuanced, balanced show that champions the talent and versatility of the 10 brilliantly dedicated dancers.
Runs until 2 November 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Sublime Synchronicity
