Stream: Dancing Nation

A three-hour fest for dance lovers

This three-hour celebration of world class dance from established companies and emerging artists is a long but rewarding watch. Split into three sessions it is best viewed one hour at a time to prevent overload of the senses. Presented by the calm and informed Brenda Emmaus from the foyer of Sadler’s Wells, with the joy of passing busses and pedestrians along Roseberry Avenue, it invoked a longing to be at one of my favourite places in the world. An hour’s drive from home, free parking, brilliant sight lines, friendly café where you could meet friends, affordable ticket prices and a democratic informed audience to chat to. Those were the days! Under the helm of the urbane Alistair Spalding since 2000 the theatre has become a world class production house as well as a receiving house for world leading companies.

With a vision and co-producing hat he has appointed Mathew Bourne, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Jonzi D, Sylvie Guillem, Sharone Eyal, Akram Khan, Russel Maliphant, Wayne McGregor, Christal Pite, Ballet Boyz, Kate Prince, Nitin Sawhney, Hofesh Schechter, Jasmin Vardimon and Christopher Wheeldon all as associate artists. A roll call of the best choreographers and creators of dance worldwide. As well as inspirational lighting designer Michael Hulls who changed the way dance was presented on stage. I remember him coming to our lowly theatre along the Thames Estuary and turning our small stage into an amazing space for the first tour and stop of The Ballet Boyz (Michael Nunn and William Trevitt who were then known as ‘George Piper Dances’). So, with joy I sat and genuinely enjoyed the experience of being back at The Wells. It is impossible to revue at length each of the fifteen performances, but I shall try to encapsulate the experiences. Overall this was a great variety show of a mixed bag of dance. Some depressing, some uplifting and a statement that dance in the UK is thriving and will return somehow. Let’s hope Sadler’s Wells, which has survived so many conflicts in its long history, will open its doors again

Part 1

Spitfire – New Adventures – choreography Matthew Bourne

In the world of men’s underwear advertising this hilarious pas de quatre is everything you expect, featuring handsome hunky male dancers performing with elan and impeccable technique. Eye candy and humour. A great opening act.

‘Face In’ (excerpt) -Candoco Dance Company – choreography by Jasmeen Godder

Uninhibited and sensual work from this ground-breaking company for disabled and non-disabled dancers. Set to an urban indie score, a riveting piece challenging the dancers at all levels.

‘Window Shopping’ curated by Breakin’ Convention

This was right up my street, pardon the pun! Set in the windows of the glass front of the theatre with punters strolling by featuring hip hop, progressing to flamenco up the wooden stairs and with emerging young ballet dancer from ENB on the top foyer. Site specific theatre at its best.

‘Orbis’ (Excerpt) Humanhood – choreography by Julia Robert and Rudi Cole

Exploring the dark side of the moon two dancers whirled with flowing batwing costumes on a black circular carpet. The rather long work was reminiscent of Isadora Duncan. One hoped they wouldn’t come to the same tragic end in the theatre foyer.

‘Hollow’ - English National Ballet – choreography by Stina Quagebeur

The best was saved till last in this section. Based on the idea of depression and separation this duet was surprisingly uplifting due to the exquisite performance of the two dancers. Lyrical and touching with beautiful lifts, filling the stage with emotion, this was contemporary ballet at its best.

Part 2

‘Sphera’ (Excerpt) Humanhood – choreography by Julia Robert and Rudi Cole

The second part of their work depicting the visible bright side of the moon, this time danced on a light carpet. Different costumes and much of the same. I felt I was missing something.

BLKDOG (Excerpt) Far from the Norm – choreography by Botis Seva

Not being a huge fan of hip hop, this was an example of the best. A take on the agonies of young people in the modern world, growing up, school playground, fitting in, surviving childhood performed with skill and flashes of humour. 

‘Lazuli Sky’ – Birmingham Royal Ballet choreography by Will Tuckett

What a terrible time for Carlos Acosta to take over Birmingham Royal Ballet and yet he managed to bring the company together under COVID-19 guidelines for this enchanting new commission. Inspired by the precious colour Lazuli this work showed the breadth and technical expertise of this company. A sweeping and lyrical work danced with perfection.

Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazurus – choreography by Oona Doherty

Again, not expecting to like this I was taken by the interpretive skills of the dancers and the understanding they brought to the piece. This is one to look out for in the future.

‘Blak Whyte Grey’ (Whyte Excerpt) Boy Blue choreography by Kenrick ‘H20’ Sandy and Michael ‘Mikey J’Asante

Based at the Barbican this award-winning company encapsulates the heart of hip hop in London. This work reflects the identity of young people in the city, dance with super energy and throbbing soundtrack. I loved it.

‘Mud of Sorrow’ – Touch – choreography by Akram Khan

The first opportunity to see a collaboration between Akram Khan and Royal Ballet Principal Natalia Osipova. Reimagining this previous partnership with Sylvie Guillem.  Almost unrecognisable, with a short boyish haircut, Osipova really connected with his work. It was good to see two acclaimed dancers working together so well, auguring well for the future.  A terrific finale for Part 2.

Part 3

‘Shades of Blue’ (Excerpt) Matsena Productions – choreography by Anthony Matsena and Kei Matesena

A response to the Black Lives Matter movement, although a UK based company, this work seemed to import American sensibilities to the UK scene. Disappointing as so much more could have been explored and better performed. 

‘States of Mind’ (excerpt) Northern Ballet – choreography Kenneth Tindall

Abstract, beautifully danced I had forgotten how good this company is. Clearly the collaborative vibe of the company shines through. A powerful exploration of feelings explored through the lock down.

‘Contagion’ (Excerpt) Shobana Jeyasingh Dance - choreographed by Jeyasingh

A revival of a work created for the centenary of World War 1 this work on the Spanish Flu virus after the war would seem appropriate but unfortunately struck the wrong note. There are so many images of the current suffering on our television every night to see young fit dancers trying hard to depict the life and death reality of today seemed mawkish and uncomfortable.

‘Rouge’ (Excerpt) Rambert choreography by Marion Motin

Great costumes, vibrant dance, great fun provided a striking finale to the third part of this digital adventure by Sadler’s. Rambert never disappoint and this was a lively finale to an otherwise depressing third part.

Available on BBC iPlayer until 26th  February 2021.