COMPANY NAME: Union Dance Company	TITLE OF SHOW: Lifeforms
DATE OF VISIT: 24/11/99	VENUE: Queen Elizabeth Hall

.......................................................................................................................................................................

 

Union Dance Company was looking better than I have ever seen it, at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The dancers were on top form and really performed to perfection.

 

The first piece, Generic Signature, choreographed by Laurie Booth was the biggest disappointment of the evening unfortunately. I think the signature referred to in the title must have been either a shoulder-stand or a grande rond de jambe en fondu because I remember thinking, about half way through the piece, that if I saw either of those movements one more time I would scream. It was only my regard for my fellow audience members that prevented me, however, because I was subjected to much more of this boring and repetitive choreography. There were a few lovely and innovative lifts but in the main this piece left far too much to be desired – it was in dire need of some wise editing, not to mention some inspiration.

 

I must also question the visual design of Generic Signature. The costumes, while beautiful, simple and flowing - reflecting the choreography and showing it off admirably - must not have been road-tested. I say this because one of them in particular put the dancer in a very real danger of being exposed in a way which would certainly disturb me if I had been in her position. She handled it very professionally but she should not have had to. Also I would question the use of the video projection on the cyc during this piece. Although the piece was lit beautifully I found this projection to be nothing more than a distraction which seemed like a fairly arbitrary inclusion of ‘technology’ which did not add to the impact of the choreography.

 

The dancers saved Generic Signature for me. Their commitment to the movement, to the choreography as a whole, to each other and to the audience, was breathtaking. They were so well rehearsed as to be almost flawless and could teach a lot in this regard to some of the most highly regarded dance companies in Britain. It was very refreshing. I loved to watch them move and I thought they deserved a standing ovation.

 

The music, composed and mixed live by Philip Jeck, was well suited to the dance except in the regard that it far excelled the choreography. Moving from lyrical through rhythmical, lively and intense, it was money well spent on the part of the dance company and added much to the piece.

 

The second piece, Starlings Scatter, was nothing short of sheer joy, one of the best dance performances I have seen all year. The set was exceptional: as the lights came up the first thing one noticed were the loops of fairy lights hung in the flies which had a magical effect. The front two wings had been draped white, onto which various colours were projected during the piece, which enhanced the mood and added drama. Contrasted to these effects, the dancers wore simple, playful costumes in shades of red, the girls with accents of beading on their bodices. The vibrant colours reflected the joyful mood of the dance as they performed to baroque chamber music in groups, duos and solos. Each dancer had a chance to shine and they took full advantage, they really are wonderful to watch, with fantastic technique and a vibrancy and presence onstage that I rarely see. Their interaction with each other and their communication of their own personalities made the audience feel that we were really a part of the show ourselves. Altogether I simply have to say that this was a really special performance.

 

In summary I must give all praise to Union Dance – but I would suggest that to keep the excitement it is so plain that you can generate, choose a different choreographer next time! The dancers were so outstanding, and the show overall was very impressive, I would suggest to London Arts Board in the loudest possible voice, Keep Funding This Company and Give Them More Money! Britain needs more companies of this calibre.