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Dance review: Debut 5: The Dancers Direct

Debut 5: The Dancers Direct is an exciting presentation of five new dances choreographed by members of the Restless Dance Theatre who have been mentored by prominent South Australian dancers.

Oct 24, 2016, updated Oct 24, 2016

Artistic director Michelle Ryan was, understandably, beaming with pride after the first night’s performance of Debut 5: The Dancers Direct at the delightful new studio in Gilles street.

Jianna Giorgiou choreographed and danced in A Mysterious Lake, a beautiful, classical dance, a tale of romance, evil-doers, heroism and a mysterious spirit in white, presented elegantly and regally by Gemma Trueman.

The beach is a sanctuary for James Bull and in Swell he presents a colourful, comical glimpse of men at the beach but he also reveals his flair for the dramatic when a storm hits.

Rachel High takes us back to the ’50s with First Dates with the men in hats and braces and the women in tartan skirts. The dancers’ comedic skills shine in this piece and the tender tentativeness of a first dance or first kiss is sensitively performed.

Josh Campton’s What Bird is That is a joy from concept to climax. Mentor, Gina Rings’ influence is evident and the bird movements against stunning images were breathtakingly beautiful: frolicking in a creek bed, flight against the moon, trapped in fire and drinking at a waterhole are all images that will remain.

Chris Dyke’s love of “fast cars, fashion and clubbing” was evident in Free and Fearless, a pacy, dynamic dance that captured life in the fast lane with a superb simulation of an actual race.

Ailsa Paterson’s design, Geoff Cobham’s lighting and Chris Petridis’ audio visual effects, created a wonderful variety of states and atmospheres, showing the flexibility of the Studio and making Debut 5 a very professional experience. The blend of Restless and ACArts dancers worked superbly; their skills complemented each other and they were all enjoying the performance.

There is something very special about a Restless Dance Company performance and the dancers’ unique abilities; their concentration, focus and total immersion of themselves in the dance is a gift that will touch any audience member. They love performing and any lover of dance and humanity will not want to miss this season. (The Studio is not huge, you will want to book: 82128495).

Debut 5: The Dancers Direct is at Restless Studio, 195 Gilles Street, Adelaide until October 29.

 

 

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