Riveting dance
CROSSING, Dance HK/NY, Cultural Centre Studio Theatre Choreographed by Rosalind Newman and produced by Dance HK/NY, Crossing was a success. The dance was made up of three sequences 'conjuring up notions and metaphors of links and evaporation of boundaries'.
Ring of Shadow set the empty stage with large projected shadows on the back wall, revealing the anxiety of the dancers. The shadows were oppressive and created a menacing background for neurotic movement. The five female dancers found themselves trapped in their misery and self-reproach. Although they could comfort one another, their anguish passed from one to another like a contagious disease. The dance was highly-strung and expressive.
The world premiere Tango and Soliloquies, as the name suggested, was sub-divided into two parts. The deconstructed Tango was inventive. Newman turned the dance of danger and fire into the dance of alienation, joy and desperation. The timing was precise, the movement intense, and the form refined.
Compared with the Tango sequence, Soliloquies was less effective as a dance piece, but the symbols were effective. The literally 'broken' home, the insurmountable door and the solo dance were all very telling. The movement, however, was not as striking as the other sequences.
Scenes from a Mirage was the most touching piece and dealt with a variety of themes related to the human condition - struggle and competition, assimilation, bonding, despair and farewell. The last scene, with the dancers one by one leaving the stage by the exit door, was heart-rending. Although they lusted for the stage (life), they had to leave.
The music was enthralling and its complex structure provided light and shade to the dances. The lighting by Leo Cheung was effective and crucial for an empty stage. The choreography was ingenious. The dancers were committed and competent, but the dances could have been more electrifying if they had been more fiery and less calculated.
On the whole, however, they were riveting, and Newman is a choreographer to watch.
