Via Injabulo – Sadler’s Wells, London

Choreographers: Marco da Silva Ferreira and Amala Dianor

We expect dancers at Sadler’s Wells to tear up the floor but visiting company Via Katlehong take that proposition all too literally in their new show Via Injabulo, a two-dance set performed within the Dance Umbrella Festival. This South African troupe use their opening 30-minute number to first reveal and then peel off layers of the stage as its performers seek liberation, self-understanding and, above all, connection.

førm inførms is a piece choreographed by Marco da Silva Ferreira that blends lots of different styles – hip hop, street dance, streamlined and wider tribal stances with touches of tap and even a bit of salsa. da Silva Ferreira’s approach is unrelenting, energetic and fiendishly difficult, requiring absolute precision footwork, deep hip movements and clean synchronicity which the eight-strong group achieves with ease. This piece is also visually interesting as the story unfolds and embraces its own energy as the dance evolves from mechanised solo movement to a vibrant devilish carnage with red and gold lighting.

Following a quick change, the cast entertains the audience through the interval, setting the scene for the more casual Emaphakathini, choreographed by Amala Dianor which invites the viewer to the Soweto township for another 30 minutes of performance. A live DJ booth sits at the back of the stage and a circle of cool boxes create a space for dance as a group of locals come together to perform, compete and pass the night in whirls of movement.

Dianor’s approach emphasises shoulder movements primarily, although, like da Silva Ferreira, speedy footwork becomes increasingly essential. But Emaphakathini feels more organic, a piece that evolves as individuals, couples and groups form, step back and later return to the arena to dance. There are moments in which the dancers perform the same movements, but Dianor gives individually to each member of the group, their own spin that stops this from becoming too polished or too formal, retaining that narrative of freestyle dance among neighbours just having a good time.

And for the most part, the audience has a good time too, the dance projecting an energy and inclusiveness that begins in the relaxed interval and has people bobbing and tapping along for most of its running time. Dianor’s concept starts to fall apart in the final 10 minutes of the performance, however, relying heavily on unnecessary stage tricks like dry ice and neon lighting while the dancers pose or move in overly stylised ways. And while this night of dance in the township draws to a close, the choreography too peters out, ending with a whimper when it deserves a bang.

Dancers Thulisile Binda, Lungile Mahlangu, Kgadi Motsoane, Tshepo Mohlabane, Tshepo Nchabeleng, Thembi Ngwenya, Thato Qofela and Abel Vilakazi have astonishing control throughout, switching quickly between styles and hitting every mark with an unflagging energy and purpose. Via Injabulo may not have a clear connection between the two pieces or the choice of choreographers but it is a vibrant showcase for the Via Katlehong company.

Runs until 28 October 2023