reviewvancouver:The Dance Centre-Agrimony, Ottem

Agrimony straddles many artistic diciplines making the performance a spell binding experience from the get go. Pushing boundaries to encompass a sound, sight and sensory experience Sophie Dow, choreographer and Laura Reznek, composer and musician have created a work that engages the audience on many levels.

The word agrimony is defined as a plant of the rose family. Native to north temperate zones it has been used traditionally in herbal medicine and dyeing. It can symbolize thankfulness, gratitude and honesty. Dow and Reznek have found inspiration for their work in the traditional use of agrimony as a healing property. Working with masks the dancers tell a story of inner fear and isolation. They are removed from who they really are inside. As they struggle with their inner fears the tempo of the movement in their dance changes to reflect this struggle. Gradually through the 65 minute performance the dancers remove their masks symbolizing a rebirth, a healing.

The interaction between the dancers and the music composed by Laura Reznek flows with intensity and purity of movement. The addition of Reznek’s lyrics in her songs added yet another dimension to the work. A multidisciplinary work that ends with a feeling of joy that one can overcome fear and renew oneself. The score is captivating and the dancing was so in touch with the rhythm of the music one felt like sharing in the dance with the dancers.

A very enthusiastic response from the audience at the end of the performance was well earned by all on stage.