reviewvancouver: Lamondance Company, Spark

SPARK is all about new beginnings. It is an assembly of seven original and interesting dance works by International and Canadian choreographers. The seven works are non-related creations linked only by the burst of ‘spark.’ In a programme of fascinating fusion of theatre and dance, diverse vocabulary frequently blurs the boundaries between interpretative dance and expansive theatricality. All the works include the entire company of twelve dancers – nine female and three male.

The first work to be seen is a non-linear choreography by artistic director Davi Rodrigues titled Red Ocean. At first glance, the dancers’ movements appear almost random, but on closer attention the precisely timed dance syntax is remarkably evocative. Alternating between repose and the kinetic, dancers’ movements evoke the human brain coping with chaotic forces.

In Shannon Moreno’s On the Edge of the Corner, dancers explore the aspect of overcoming physical limitation. Lead dancer Sarah Tse shows no artistic limitations as she simulates a struggle to stand unassisted by other dancers. She adds camp in vocalising faux frustration.

Inspired by a painting by Gerhard Richter and featuring the husky voice of the late Lhasa de Sela, Lara Barclay’s Reminiscence arguably offers the closest vocabulary to classical dance. Richter’s art work shows a portrait of a women looking back over her right shoulder, and so female dancers in identical blue-grey costumes, represent the theme with exquisite movement.

The most bizarre aspect of the show is the inclusion of David Norsworthy’s oddly titled, seven-minute work, Disposable Phenomena. It features looped dialogue by avant-garde musician Ian Hawgood where he satirizes the (former) Pope. It appears to be an eccentric collaboration of hi-tech pantomime and experimental dance vocabulary. Part of the abstract dance syntax requires two dancers lying in prone position for the entire duration of the dance.

The show’s most demanding work is the Davi Rodrigues highly detailed, non-linear choreography of Supernova. It stretches the limits of the dancer’s extreme physicality, while creating a visual flux that challenges the audience to define the dancers’ interpretation.

Andrew Pye’s inspired lighting design is an extra element of a show that is chock full of artistry.

All the performers bring a distinct aesthetic to the choreographer’s original works. The audience responded to the dancers’ passion and commitment with generous and supportive applause.