Presented by Vertigo Dance Company
Reviewed 30 Sept 2016
Founded in 1992 by Noa Wertheim and Adi Sha’al, Vertigo Dance Company is the premiere, contemporary dance ensemble of Israel. Housed in an eco-village, the company prides itself on its sustainable and community-based work and for stretching both bodies and boundaries.
The company has brought Vertigo 20 to Australia. In this piece, choreographer Wertheim, has pulled together sequences from the company’s 25 year history, and woven around it an exploration of the rituals that pull people together, and push them apart. And in the spirit of the company, the ensemble are all listed, not just as “dancers” but as “co-creators”.
Undoubtedly contemporary in style and structure, the piece draws on elements of various dance styles, particularly delivering a re-imagining of classical ballet set-pieces such as the pas de deux and corps work. There are also slightly ironic nods to classical roots, in elements such as costuming and music. Folk dance is also present in the form of choreographic elements and the use of guttural vocalisation by the dancers.
This work involves the entire ensemble, all of whom are outstanding dancers and performers. In their hour on stage, they give everything and are breathtaking and exhausting to watch. There is not a moment of boredom or any time when it felt as though the choreography was marking time.
Music by Ran Bagno was intense and lyrical, whilst Dani Fishof-Magenta’s lighting and Yigal Gini’s stark, brilliant, set further served the artistry that unfolded.
Contemporary dance frightens some people: even those who are veteran ballet-goers. Do not be afraid. Leap off the artistic cliff with this outstanding company. You won’t be hurt: you will be exhilarated.
Reviewed by Tracey Korsten
Twitter: @TraceyKorsten
Rating (out of 5): 5
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: 30th September-1st October
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $35-$55
Bookings: Book online through the OzAsia website or phone BASS on 131 246
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