Verve 2011

SHOW REVIEW: VERVE 2011 at York Theatre Royal

“We are in the midst of wilderness, even curled up with our lovers in bed” (Paul Shepherd’s The Cultivated Wilderness Or, What is Landscape?). This perfectly defines the essence of the gripping final piece, “Forces”, brilliantly choreographed by Ben Wright. The curtain lifts to reveal the mesmerising soft glow of a chandelier hung so low it leaves but a crawl space between itself and the floor. Mist creeps around the dancers, intensifying the gothic feel of this piece, with its frenzied movements and silhouetted figures.

By far the most captivating of the three pieces displayed by Verve 2011, “Forces” reminded me of the death of a glacier, the dancers reacting to the soundtrack of creaking, crashing ice. Though there was no overall “story” to this piece, many people commented on its Titanic overtones, while each character certainly seemed to have their own tale to tell. I was particularly interested in the male dancer writhing and squirming beneath the chandelier, as if possessed by something. This neatly captured the fundamental idea behind this piece, an exploration of the unseen impulses which cause bodies to move, in both the disciplines of physics and dance.

In my opinion “Forces” was by far the strongest piece performed by Verve 2011. Unfortunately injury forced a reduced show, with only three pieces shown of four, but this did allow us the privilege of an impromptu post-show question and answer session.

The earlier pieces, “Cascade” and “Unspoken”, were less impressive. “Unspoken” in particular was a little dull, although it did feature a beautiful central duet. The choreography was based on John Siddique’s poem Atom, which was commissioned for the imove Sacrament of Marriage Exhibition in Bradford. “Cascade” was an intriguing exploration of psychological interactions between the dancers, but could not be sustained for the duration of the piece. While more emotionally charged and of greater technical interest than “Unspoken”, this piece was similarly disappointing and seemed very flimsy in the afterglow of the final piece.

Verve 2011 is made up of graduate students from the Northern School of Dance who spend a year with the company, working with internationally renowned choreographers. Their show should be an opportunity to showcase a selection of the best contemporary art, teaming experienced choreographers with vibrant young dancers. Sadly, though, only one piece performed lived up to these expectations. We can only hope perhaps Verve 2012 will have more to offer.