A sense of admiration – admiration for creativity, for choreography and for the art of dance. This was the feeling that stayed with me after experiencing three unique performances as part of Danslokaal #12. Each piece was distinct, yet all shared the power to provoke my senses and expand my imagination.
Danslokaal is the talent development project programme of Rotterdam-based Conny Janssen Danst. It provides a platform for talented young choreographers to innovate, grow and create with the company’s dancers. So in a sense it serves as a bridge, connecting audiences with young choreographers and offering these artists the invaluable opportunity to be seen, heard, and appreciated.
Let’s dive into the three pieces from last night’s Danslokaal #12
EDIFY US by Sarada Sarita (Korzo)
The performance began in darkness, with a single figure moving on stage, soon revealed as three distinct bodies. They seemed as if from another part of the world, exploring life with the wonder of new borns. They danced together, moving in perfect harmony with each other and the music. The music felt like an extension of them, as if they were inseparable from it. Their movements complemented one another seamlessly – until a shift occurred, turning harmony into conflict. Tension grew, and their bodies drifted apart, becoming adversaries. The escalating hostility reminded me of humanity’s destructive tendencies: how we harm nature, damage relationships, and jeopardize our future. Through their expressions and movements, I saw the darkness within these characters. This might be the first time I saw dancers use their bodies with a raw, almost reckless and unrestrained intensity on stage. The small lights attached to their bodies added a creative touch, reflecting, in my view, a sense of positivity. Overall, I loved this choreography for its energetic flow and the glimmer of hope it offered for the future.
I JUST DON’T SEE IT by Bas van der Kruk (Dansateliers)
Every time I watch a dance performance, I look inward, exploring the emotions it brings out in me. I Just Don’t See left me with a strong, unsettling feeling. The choreography unfolds in three parts, each marked by different vibes/costumes. The first two parts were particularly captivating, as the three dancers moved robotically, with sharp, broken movements, reminding me that this was a performance. It felt as if we were all part of a Truman Show world, under surveillance, blending a futuristic vibe with present-day relevance. With sunglasses obscuring their vision, the dancers seemed cut off from their surroundings. And when they added cone-shaped hats, it was as if they became even more isolated, focused solely on themselves. This choreography was perhaps the hardest for me to interpret, leaving me with lingering questions. I enjoyed the performance’s interactivity and appreciated how the dancers’ eye-blocking – even without glasses in the third part – conveyed a sense of obscurity, as if we were the ones wearing the sunglasses, unable to fully see their faces.
MEISJE by Charlie Skuy (Conny Janssen Danst)
The final piece of the night was truly mesmerizing, one that evoked a creepy atmosphere from start to finish. As choreographer Charlie Skuy described, “It is a witch dance” – and it certainly felt that way. Yet, there was a compelling intensity in the performance that kept me utterly absorbed, unable to look away.
Five dancers took the stage in matching blue jeans, white shirts and blonde wigs, each a mirror image of the other. They moved together perfectly, dancing nonstop as if under a spell. They ran, circled one another, and met face-to-face in an unbroken flow of movement that felt almost hypnotic. At one point, I found myself entirely absorbed, as if drawn in by the choreography’s vibrant energy. The dancers filled the stage, shifting from fast to slow, from joyful to trance-like. They felt both real and unreal, blurring the line between the two in a captivating manner. I watched the performance, entranced by these conflicting impressions, and realized afterward just how deeply Meisje’s choreography had impacted me, leaving me with an unforgettable sense of wonder and intrigue.
At the end of the performance, I was once again reminded, thanks to Danslokaal, of the boundless creativity and impact dance holds. It’s incredible how dance can challenge perspectives and reshape our understanding, proving that anything can become its subject, and any movement can transform into an innovative, powerful experience. Cicek Isiksel Sonmez 25th October 2024
Danslokaal #12 continues on tour until 3rd December.
Photo of Edify Us by Pien Duthmann
